2026-04-01
Iustina-Gabriela MIHĂIANU, Lavinia-Maria POP, Magdalena IORGA, Maria-Manuela APOSTOL
The nutritional profile of an individual constitutes one of the main regulators of gastrointestinal physiology and psychological well-being. This study aimed to identify the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in medical students, health-related behaviors, and their relationship with the presence of stress, anxiety, and depression. Materials and methods : a total of 152 students from all years of study were included in the study. The respondents had to fill in an online questionnaire. Sociodemographic and medical related data as well as information about diet, nutritional status, quality of life and health-related behaviors were gathered. Psychological status was assessed using the DASS-21 . Eating habits were evaluated using the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants , while gastrointestinal symptom severity and impact on daily life were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (VAS-IBS). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( SPSS ) Statistics for Windows, version 24 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results : The mean age of participants was 21.28 ± 1.93 years (range: 18-25). More than half stated that they noticed changes in digestion when experiencing fatigue or poor sleep, with frequent changes observed in 27.6% of participants (N = 42). Most participants showed normal levels of stress (88.2%), depression (75%), or anxiety (74.3%). The results on the Food Sufficiency subscale revealed that most participants (71.71%, N = 109) did not eat enough, and did not have an adequate intake of daily meals, proteins, and calcium-rich foods. Additionally, the results of the Healthy Eating subscale showed that most participants (93.4%, N = 142) had insufficient consumption of healthy foods. In contrast, the results on the Low Nutrient Density Foods subscale showed that most participants (88.81%, N = 135) reported limited consumption of foods with low nutritional density, and therefore a more favorable eating behavior. Women demonstrated significantly lower results in terms of willingness to change (M = 1.71 ± 0.68) compared to men (M = 2.00 ± 0.75). Conclusions : The data obtained indicated that stress is the main predictor of the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, while food sufficiency exerted a protective effect. A more adequate diet was associated with reduced symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These results show the importance of psychological factors and the quality of food in the quality of life of the young population.
2026-04-01
Adeline-Alexandra BĂIȘANU-ȚINTILĂ, V. POROCH, E. SÁEZ ALVAREZ, Gema BACOANU, Mihaela POROCH, S. MARTIN UTRILLA, D. FERNANDEZ GARCIA
We carried out the translation, validation and cultural adaptation in Romanian language of the EBBCAM Questionnaire for the measurement of Perceived Death Competence in Medical and Nursing students. Materials and methods: 117 medical and nursing students of the Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi. Results: The Romanian translation of the Bugen Brief Bugen Coping Competence in the Face of Death (EBBCAM) questionnaire, which is a multidimensional instrument consisting of 16 items, was administered. Subsequently, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed in order to verify the validity of the measurement model. Both the study of the reliability of the responses (f1: .902; f2: .824; f3: .882 y f4: .828) and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the four-factor model had an adequate fit. (NNFI: .882; CFI: .920; IFI: .825 y RMSEA: .117). Conclusions: The Bugen Brief Competence in the Face of Death (EBBCAM) scale is a suitable instrument for the measurement of Perceived Competence in the Face of Death in Romanian-speaking students of Health Sciences (Medicine and Nursery).
2026-04-01
Paula-Daria IANCU, Patricia Carmen CHISCARIU, M. POP
Pediatric cardiovascular congenital disease (CHD) diagnosis benefits greatly from thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA), with an increasing number of referrals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of CTA examinations in pediatric patients with congenital cardiovascular malformations. Materials and methods : A 9-year retrospective analysis of pediatric CTA reports was performed. 697 consecutive examinations were included, with recorded data consisting of demographic data of the patient and procedure-related information (cannulation type, site of venous access, type and volume of contrast agents, injection flow rate, dose and adverse events). Results : The median patient age was 199 days (interquartile range IQR [15,1714.5]), with a male: female ratio of 1.29. The most frequent peripheral cannulation site was the left antecubital fossa 265 cases (38.02%), and the most frequently used cannula size was 24-gauge (331 cases); a central line was used in 101 cases (14.49%). The flow rates for peripheral and central venous catheters were 0.3 to 5 mL/s, median 1.00, [0.8, 2.0] and 0.5 to 4 mL/s, median 0.9 [0.8, 1.0] respectively. Nine cases of contrast media extravasation (1.29%), four minor allergic reactions (0.6%), two cases of placement of the central venous catheter in the artery (0.29%), one case of air embolus (0.14 %) and one anaphylactic shock (0.14%) were recorded. Conclusions : In a single-center cohort of 697 pediatric CTAs for congenital heart disease over 9 years, complication rates related to contrast and venous access were low (extravasation ~1.3%; allergic reactions ~0.6%; anaphylaxis ~0.14%), all resolved favorably. Central line incidents were rare. The results support the safety of contrast administration in pediatric CTA of congenital heart disease, with the recommendation to verify the prescan and standardize protocols.
2026-04-01
Oana Lia BOTEZATU (MOCONDOI), Veronica MOCANU, Irina Mihaela EȘANU, Dana Teodora ANTON-PĂDURARU, Elena Mihaela CĂRĂUȘU
This longitudinal observational study assessed the evolution of maternal and child health indicators in Bacau County, Romania, between 2021 and 2024, using annual administrative data collected from hospitals and medical practices involved in maternal and child health services. Materials and methods : The analysis focused on service coverage, year-to-year variations, and discontinuities in key program-related interventions. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 28 and Microsoft Excel. Results : During the study period, improvements were observed in several components, particularly neonatal screening activities and nutritional support for low-birth-weight newborns. Coverage of Rh immunological prophylaxis among Rh-negative pregnant women increased alongside better orientation of services toward vulnerable population groups. Nevertheless, persistent challenges were identified in postnatal follow-up of preterm infants and in ensuring equitable access to infant formula. Additionally, a declining birth rate was noted, with potential implications for resource allocation and service planning. Overall, the findings indicate heterogeneous longitudinal trends in maternal and child health indicators, reflecting variable continuity and performance across service components. Conclusions: These results underline the need for targeted adjustments to enhance the consistency and quality of maternal and child health interventions at the local level.
2026-04-01
V. D. RADU, P. ONOFREI, Andreea LUDUSANU, Ana-Maria Raluca PAUNA, S. B. DIEACONU, T. F. PANTILIMONESCU, Rodica RADU
Double-J ureteral stents frequently cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urinary urgency and pollakiuria, which significantly affect patient comfort. This study compared the efficacy and safety of trospium chloride versus tamsulosin in patients with stent-related LUTS. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective 6-year study comparing patients with LUTS in the presence of double-J stents who had received trospium for 4 weeks (39 patients) with patients who had received tamsulosin (52 patients). Results: Both trospium and tamsulosin relieved LUTS symptoms (p<0.05). Trospium relieved pollakiuria (82.05% vs. 61.53%, p=0.034) and urinary urgency (87.17% vs. 59.61%, p=0.003) in a higher percentage than tamsulosin. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of urinary urgency incontinence (80% vs. 47.05%, not significant at p<0.05), hypogastric pain (64% vs. 40%, p=0.103), foreign body sensation (64.28% vs. 38.09%, p=0.128) and macroscopic hematuria (37.5% vs. 18.18%, not significant at p < 0.05); side effects occurred rarely, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (5.12% vs. 5.76%, not significant at p<0.05). Conclusions: Trospium chloride is a safe and effective option for managing LUTS associated with double-J stents and provides superior improvement in pollakiuria and urinary urgency compared with tamsulosin.
2026-04-01
F. CURCĂ, Ruxandra Teodora STAN, Oana BUTNARU, G. ROTUNDU, F. C. BIDA, Teona TUDORICI, C. G. POPA
Periodontal disease alters the biomechanical stability of the supporting tissues, predisposing them to damage under occlusal overload. This study aims to use finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the effect of traumatic occlusal forces on a mandibular second molar with compromised periodontal support. Materials and methods : A three-dimensional FEA model was constructed from CT data and subjected to symmetrical and asymmetrical occlusal loads, ranging from 500 N to 1000 N, with variations in tooth inclination. Results : The results showed that axial stress and maximum displacement increased proportionally with force intensity, with the highest values observed under asymmetric loading in mesial inclined teeth with alveolar bone loss. In contrast, symmetrical loading on a well-aligned tooth in normal bone conditions generated minimal stresses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical role of occlusal force distribution in periodontal biomechanics and confirm that traumatic occlusion may accelerate tissue breakdown in compromised periodontium.
2026-04-01
A. H. AMARANDEI, Stefana AVADANEI-LUCA, Malek BENAMOR, Andra-Irina BULGARU-ILIESCU, D. C. MORARU, Mihaela PERTEA
Solitary enchondromas represent benign cartilaginous neoplasms originating from residual chondrocytes of the physeal plate. Ollier disease (multiple enchondromatosis) is a rare, non-hereditary skeletal disorder characterized by multiple intramedullary cartilaginous tumors (enchondromas) carry a risk of malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma or atypical cartilaginous tumor (ACT). Both diseases are rare, initially asymptomatic and curative treatment is non-existent. Materials and methods : The study included a cohort of 14 patients diagnosed with solitary or multiple asymptomatic enchondromas, classified according to the Takigawa classification. in all cases the diagnosis was established by imaging examination. All patients underwent surgical treatment. The surgical techniques employed consisted of tumor curettage followed by reconstruction of the resulting bone defect using either autologous bone graft or solid bone substitute. In one case, where the enchondromas were multiple and large, with massive digital bone destruction, a necessary amputation was performed. Results : Imaging examinations revealed extensive lytic lesions affecting the metacarpals and phalanges in all cases. In the patient with Ollier disease, lesions were also identified in the radius, humerus, scapula, and vomer bone-an exceptional localization. Histopathological analysis confirmed a central atypical cartilaginous tumor (ACT) arising secondarily from an enchondroma in the case of multiple enchondromatosis. The patient with Ollier disease was also diagnosed with psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety and depression, related to chronic hospitalization and physical deformity. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated in all cases using the DASH, ROM, and VAS scores. Conclusions : The presence of enchondromas is rare, and multiple enchondromatosis-particularly when associated with cranial involvement-represents an extremely uncommon entity. The absence of symptoms often leads to incidental diagnosis. In Ollier disease, onset occurs in early childhood, and the resulting deformities can cause significant psychological and emotional trauma, in addition to the orthopedic and functional burden associated with the disease.
2026-04-01
Ecaterina BURLUI, G. DASCALESCU, A. CIOBICA, V. BURLUI, B. V. STEFANESCU, Daniela TOMITA
This study aims to investigate the nutritional pathways and lifestyle behaviors that bridge psychiatric symptomatology and oral pathological outcomes, specifically focusing on the role of dietary-induced oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to a healthy control group. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 40 participants (20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 demographically matched controls). Nutritional habits, antioxidant intake and pro-inflammatory food frequencies were assessed using validated questionnaires. Data were statistically analyzed to identify significant divergences in consumption patterns. Results: Patients with schizophrenia showed a significantly lower intake of dietary fiber compared to controls (1.65 ± 1.51 vs . 2.80 ± 1.92, p = 0.041). Significant increases were observed in the consumption of fried foods (p = 0.029) and processed items (p = 0.048). Although antioxidant and fruit intake followed a downward trend, they did not reach the significance threshold, contributing to a documented pro-oxidant dietary environment. Conclusions: The results confirm a compromised “gut-brain-mouth” axis in schizophrenia. The dietary-induced pro-oxidant environment serves as a systemic driver for oral degradation, necessitating integrated psychiatric and dental management.
2025-12-19
C. D. PAVEL, Alexandra-Simona ZAMFIR, Cristina GALES, Irina Andreea PAVEL, Carmen Lăcrămioara ZAMFIR
Oxidative stress, through the disbalance between oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms, plays an important role in intestinal disorders and dysfunctions. Evidence reported that methylxanthines possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their role in reducing oxidative stress-induced intestinal damage remains poorly understood. Aim : In this study, adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio) were exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to induce oxidative intestinal injury and to evaluate the potential protective effects of methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine). Materials and methods: Adult zebrafish were randomly divided into eight groups: control, oxidative stress-induced (treated with ZnO nanoparticles), oxidative stress and theobromine, oxidative stress and caffeine, oxidative stress and theophylline, theobromine treated group, caffeine treated group, theophylline treated group. After 15 days of exposure, intestinal samples were processed for histopathological evaluation; microscopic images were analyzed for villus, epithelial integrity and goblet cells density. Representative biochemical markers of antioxidant defense-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were quantified to assess redox status. Results: Histological examination revealed that ZnO-NPs induced intestinal damage, including epithelial disruption, blunt villus shortening and a discrete increase in the number of goblet cells, which were attenuated in oxidative stress methylxanthine-treated groups. The biochemical data supported these findings, showing enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and restored GSH levels in protected groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated associations between enzymatic antioxidant capacity and histopathological integrity. Conclusions: Methylxanthines can differentially modulate the intestinal oxidative stress, providing a basis for future studies on their potential therapeutic or dietary application. Theobromine appears to confer greater preservation of intestinal structure and mucosal balance.
2025-12-19
G. V. TĂNASE, Adina Elena TĂNASE, Manuela CIOCOIU, C. G. ILEA
Pain is a vital function of the nervous system, providing the body with a warning of potential physical or psychological injury. Nociceptors are specialized sensory structures involved in the detection of potentially harmful stimuli. They transform noxious stimuli - whether mechanical, thermal or chemical - into electrical signals that are transmitted to the central nervous system via primary afferent fibers of the Aδ and C types. Materials and methods : We describe the analysis of a representative cohort of 111 patients, which we analyzed for our study characteristics: age, environment of origin, type of intervention performed, length of hospitalization, pain score, recovery period in hospital. We obtained a study group formed by gynecological and pregnant patients who presented for surgical interventions at the “Cuza-Vodă” Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical Hospital in Iași between 01.12.2024 and 01.12.2025, that were included in the analysis. Results: A wide number of clinical data were analyzed starting with demographic characteristics, type of surgery, number of days of hospitalization, neonatology results. The main statistically significant correlation was a reduced Apgar score at gestational age less than 38 weeks . A complex interplay between the various biological responses of the immune system, the autonomic nervous system, vascular regulation, and the central and peripheral nervous systems in response to tissue injury, pathogens, and irritants comprises the sensation of pain by the body. Pain can then play a vital protective role for an organism, as is the case with acute inflammation that results in the perception of pain, leading to avoidance of noxious stimuli and encouraging healing of damaged tissue. Conclusions: Adequate management of post-cesarean pain remains a challenge in the hospital. Better interprofessional collaboration, self-administered analgesia, scheduled medical prescriptions and increased availability of analgesic medications may contribute to improving postoperative pain management, with better pain scores.
2025-12-19
Elena-Raluca BACIU, A. CORNEAGĂ, I.C. LUPU, Alice MURARIU
Aim of the study. This study aimed to assess the dimensional accuracy and time efficiency of digital and conventional impression techniques used in recording complete dental impressions for single-crown fabrication. Materials and methods: A standardized typodont model designed for single-crown preparation was used to obtain 45 impressions: 15 with condensation silicone (Zeta Plus with Oranwash), 15 with addition silicone (Elite HD+), and 15 digital impressions using the Primescan AC intraoral scanner. Linear measurements of crown height, cervical widths, and interproximal distances were performed using Dental CAD software. Recording time was documented for each technique. Results: Digital impressions exhibited slightly lower mean values at the crown cervical finish line compared with conventional silicones, though all values remained within clinically acceptable limits. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed for cervical width measurements, while other parameters showed no statistical differences. The digital workflow demonstrated the shortest mean recording time (286 ± 7.39 s), followed by addition silicone (650.8 ± 8.93 s) and condensation silicone (713.67 ± 12.22 s). Conclusions: All three impression techniques produced clinically acceptable results. Digital impressions proved to be the most time-efficient and reproducible but tended to slightly underestimate certain dimensions. Although digital systems offer greater efficiency and patient comfort, addition silicone remains the preferred material for many practitioners in cases requiring full-arch or subgingival accuracy.
2025-12-19
D. A. CHIRAN, Cristina Gena DASCALU, C. I. STAN, Anca SAVA, V. SCRIPCARIU
The aim of this article is to evaluate the perception of future candidates at the Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi regarding the initiative of our institution to organize free preparatory courses in human anatomy and physiology for the admission exam. Secondary objectives included characterizing participants’ demographics, educational backgrounds, options for the entrance exam, learning effort and engagement patterns. Materials and methods: The study included 119 voluntary participants over two consecutive academic years (60 in 2024, 59 in 2025) who provided explicit consent for anonymous data processing. In 2023-2024, preparatory courses were conducted in an intensive format (March-May 2024), while in 2024-2025, the program was extended to a more in-depth format (October 2024-May 2025). Both courses comprehensively covered all 23 chapters of Barron’s Human Anatomy and Physiology textbook. A Google Forms questionnaire assessed multiple domains: demographics, geographical domicile, educational background, time allocation to study examination subjects, and perceived difficulty of specific anatomical topics (embryology, spatial relationships between structures). Participants rated course usefulness on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = "Not useful" to 5 = "Very useful"). Data analysis employed descriptive and comparative statistics. Complete anonymized raw data, statistical analyses with correlations, and supplementary materials (> 50 pages) are publicly available via Mendeley Data, a subsidiary of Elsevier (DOI: 10.17632/2y8nyy4yyy.1). Results: Participants had a mean age of 18.96 years (median 18), with 91.6% selecting General Medicine as their first choice. The cohort comprised 54.6% current high school students and 14.3% university graduates seeking career transition. Over 60% of participants allocated 50-90% of their total study time to admission exam preparation. Geographic diversity was observed, with 26.1% of participants traveling from neighboring counties. Regarding course usefulness, a very high proportion of participants rated the courses as "Useful" or "Very useful," with a slight increase from 80.0% in 2024 to 83.1% in 2025. Notably, the proportion rating the courses as "Very useful" increased from 45.0% to 61.0% between years, reflecting the program’s ongoing refinement. Conclusions: The highly positive feedback from participants validated the preparatory program’s effectiveness and triggered informed evidence-based expansion from an intensive to an adequately-paced format. Anonymous questionnaires proved effective for capturing multiple dimensions of participants’ perception regarding study effort and commitment. Our university pre-admission training initiative demonstrates institutional responsiveness to learner needs and provides a replicable model for other medical universities.