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Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive impairment of neuronal transmission due to focal demyelination. The most common form is RRMS (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis), which, under the influence of certain factors, can progress to SPMS (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). Our study aimed to validate the criteria proposed by a working group of the Romanian Society of Neurology versus the criteria proposed by a group of experts from Spain, Karolinska, and Croatia concerning the progression from RRMS to SPMS. Methods: This was done by gathering epidemiological data (age, gender) and by applying clinical tests such as the 9HPT (9-hole peg test), 25FWT (25-foot walk test), and EDSS (expanded disability status scale) tests and the SDMT test (symbol digit modalities test). The present research is a cohort study that included a number of 120 patients diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria 2017. The study was carried out between January 2023 and April 2024, including patients hospitalized in the Neurology Clinic of the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital from Iasi, Romania. The data were collected at baseline (T0) and at a 12-month interval (T1). Results: The statistical analysis was conducted using Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin analysis, which indicated a value of 0.683, thus validating the clinical tests used. The correlation matrix and the linear regression for all the tests showed highly significant statistical results. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis of the criteria suggested by the working group of the Romanian Society of Neurology demonstrated that the EDSS, 9HPT, and 25FWT are highly sensitive in diagnosing SPMS, an opinion that is shared with the Spanish experts, but not with the Karolinska expert panel. Using the criteria given by the Croatian expert group in the ROC curve analysis showed that only the EDSS was strongly significant for the progression to the SPMS phase. Conclusions: In conclusion, all clinical methods used demonstrated that they are valid and can contribute to identifying patients with an increased risk of progression. The model proposed by the Romanian Society of Neurology working group is similar to other countries’ expert opinions and can be used to detect the risk of disease progression and establish a more tailored therapeutic management of SPMS.

Objective: Endometriosis association with cancers is strongly supported by epidemiological criteria and shared protective factors, being identified as endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma (EOC). In this context, our study objective has been the evaluation of selected immunohistochemical markers expression (ER, PR, p53, and Ki-67) in both endometriosis and EOC as an attempt to identify common pattern of expression, in support of similar molecular pathway involved in their pathogenesis. Material and Methods: Our study comprised 19 cases of EOCs. The routine and immunohistochemical staining have been performed, followed by results statistical processing. Results: The following data have been assessed in EOCs: tumor size, histological type, ovarian capsule invasion, TNM and FIGO staging. The histological types have been: endometrioid (8 cases) and non-endometrioid (11 cases of clear cell, high-grade serous, and mixed types). FIGO stages have been: stage I (4 cases), stage II (6 cases), stage III (8 cases), and stage IV (1 case). Histological grades have been: G1 (1 case), G2 (6 cases), and G3 (12 cases). Conclusions: The comparison between immunohistochemical staining and different clinicopathological variables supported that the altered expression of steroid receptors in ovarian endometriotic tissue and EOC are involved in malignant transformation and progression. p53 is contributing to endometriosis pathogenesis and EOC progression. EOCs are associated with low Ki-67 index compared to more aggressive types of tumors. In conclusion, the immunohistochemical expression of ER, PR, and p53 corroborated with clinicopathological features support the mechanism of endometriosis transition to EOC, provide tools for prognosis evaluation, and open new perspectives of therapy

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) is considered beneficial in diabetes and obesity, but it can also have negative effects such as its implication in tumours’ pathogenesis and the development of Cancer-induced Cachexia. Since 18F-FDG PET/CT is a common molecular imaging modality used in cancer assessment, we aim to study the 18F-FDG BAT biodistribution in oncological patients and look for possible correlations between BAT activity and different malignancies as well as the patient’s weight status. After analysing the total number of oncological 18F-FDG PET/CT scans between 2017 and 2021, we selected patients with active BAT. Based on their BMI, the selected patients were divided into nonobese (NO) vs. overweight and obese (OOB). OOB SUVmaxlean body mass(LBM) had the highest mean values in supraclavicular, latero-cervical, and paravertebral vs. mediastinal and latero-thoracic localisations in NO. BMI was positively correlated with latero-cervical and supraclavicular SUVmax(LBM) but negatively correlated with latero-thoracic and abdominal SUVmax(LBM). Considering the age of the patients, SUVmax(LBM) decreases in the latero-cervical, paravertebral, and abdominal regions. In addition, the males presented lower SUVmax(LBM) values. SUVmax(LBM) was not affected by the treatment strategy or the oncological diagnosis. To conclude, it is mandatory to take into consideration the BAT particularities and effects on weight status in order to optimise the clinical management of oncological patients.

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APAM) is a rare polypoid benign tumor of the uterus that causes irregular vaginal bleeding in women of reproductive age. It has the potential for malignant transformation, but it does not metastasize. APAM may coexist with endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma, usually leading to misdiagnosis. Histopathologically, it is a biphasic tumor, represented by the endometrioid glands with a complex histoarchitecture, with sometimes squamous morular metaplasia or cytologic atypia, interspersed with a fibromyomatous stroma. This tumor has a high incidence of recurrence. We present a very rare case of a 21-year-old patient, a virgin, without a significant medical history, with a bleeding mass occupying the vagina. The mass was excised using forceps, scissors, and a suture of the visible pedicle. After a four-year follow-up and no additional medical treatment, no relapse was observed. Given the risk of recurrence and progression, APAM might be treated via a hysterectomy in patients with no desire for pregnancy. Due to a lower recurrence rate, the conservative treatment of atypical polypoid adenomyoma performed via an operative hysteroscopy represents the best choice. Previously diagnosed in hysterectomy specimens, with the introduction of better-performing indirect imaging techniques, adenomyosis is a clinical entity that has the possibility of being diagnosed in the presurgical stage.

The high energy of α emitters, and the strong linear energy transfer that goes along with it, lead to very efficient cell killing through DNA damage. Moreover, the degree of oxygenation and the cell cycle state have no impact on these effects. Therefore, α radioisotopes can offer a treatment choice to individuals who are not responding to β− or gamma-radiation therapy or chemotherapy drugs. Only a few α-particle emitters are suitable for targeted alpha therapy (TAT) and clinical applications. The majority of available clinical research involves 225Ac and its daughter nuclide 213Bi. Additionally, the 225Ac disintegration cascade generates γ decays that can be used in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, expanding the potential theranostic applications in nuclear medicine. Despite the growing interest in applying 225Ac, the restricted global accessibility of this radioisotope makes it difficult to conduct extensive clinical trials for many radiopharmaceutical candidates. To boost the availability of 225Ac, along with its clinical and potential theranostic applications, this review attempts to highlight the fundamental physical properties of this α-particle-emitting isotope, as well as its existing and possible production methods.

Background: Critical COVID-19 patients account for 1.7 to 13% of all pregnant COVID-19 patients. Methods: Patients admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit of Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi between 1 January and 1 December 2021, with critical forms of the disease, were included and retrospectively studied. The patients’ age range was 25–44 years in the Alpha group (n = 12) and 27–52 years in the Delta group (n = 9). Results: Most critically ill pregnant COVID-19 patients in the Alpha group delivered when admitted to the intensive care unit, while less than half of those in the Delta group delivered when admitted; the rest were released home and continued their pregnancy normally. There was a significant difference regarding the number of patients released to home care and the number of days after admission when delivery occurred (p = 0.02 and 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in maternal and fetal outcomes between the two groups, except for the number of patients released to home care and the number of days after admission when delivery occurred. There was no correlation between any Brixia scores (H, L, A, E) and any maternal or fetal outcomes in both groups.

(1) Background: Seasonality is an important environmental factor that influences immune re-sponses (2) Methods: In a retrospective study, we included all pregnant patients admitted to the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital with a critical form of COVID-19 infection between 1 January and 1 December 2021. The blood counts collected on the specific A, H and E Brixia score- collection days, or the ones collected closest to those days, were considered in our study. We also studied the differences between the two groups regarding the inflammation in-dexes exhibited on those specific days: A (admittance), H (highest Brixia score), and E (end of hospitalization). (3) Results: The values of NLR, dNLR, SII, and AISI are significantly higher and IIC is significantly lower for the spring group versus the autumn group, especially on the H and E Brixia score-collection days. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that severe-COVID-19 in-flammation was significantly higher in the spring of 2021 in Romania than in autumn 2021, in regard to pregnant patients.

Background and objectives: Kisspeptin, also named metastin, showed important roles in initiating the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and is an essential factor in the development of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS). Several research studies noticed associations between kisspeptin levels and patients with anovulatory cycles due to PCOS with an increased LH/FSH ratio. The aim of our study was to bring scientific evidence regarding the correlation between high kisspeptin and luteinizing hormone values in subfertile women due to PCOS. Materials and Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in “Elena Doamna” Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 4 January 2021 and 1 March 2022. All patients agreed to participate in our study, had ages between 18 and 45 years old, and had a body mass index between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2. The study group consisted of subfertile patients with PCOS and menstrual disturbances, including amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. The control group consisted of healthy patients with ovulatory cycles and no other reproductive or endocrinology pathologies. During the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle, patients had blood samples taken with the dosage of kisspeptin, LH, FSH, estradiol, insulin, glycemic levels, testosterone, and prolactin. Pelvic ultrasounds and clinical examinations were performed as well. Results: Significant differences were observed in kisspeptin, LH, FSH, and estradiol levels between patients with PCOS and the control group. After the univariate analysis, PCOS was significantly associated with increased kisspeptin, increased LH, and decreased FSH. There was no significant association between PCOS, estradiol, prolactin, and insulin. Conclusions: kisspeptin serum values are higher in subfertile PCOS patients, supporting the hypothesis that an over-stimulation of the KISS1 system might cause the hyper-stimulation of the HPG-axis.

Background: During viral outbreaks, pregnancy poses an increased risk of infection for women. Methods: In a prospective study, all patients admitted for delivery at term to Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi, Romania, between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 were included. There were 457 patients, divided into two groups: group 1, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (n = 46) and group 2, SARS-CoV-2-negative patients (n = 411). Among other tests, complete blood count was determined upon admittance, and the following values were studied: white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width, hematocrit, platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and platelet large cell ratio. Results: in pregnant SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at term, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count, and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, compared to healthy pregnant women at term, although all still within normal limits. None of the other components of the complete blood count or fetal outcomes studied was significantly influenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant patients at term.

Background: Uterine involution assessments are critical for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Various methods have been used worldwide. Methods: The PUUS (Postpartum Uterine Ultrasonographic Scale) method evaluates, by transabdominal ultrasonography, the length of the endometrium of the uterine cavity occupied by blood or debris, from grade 0 (no blood) to grade 4 (over three-quarters of the endometrial length occupied by blood/debris). A total of 131 consecutive patients admitted for delivery in the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi, Romania, were prospectively evaluated using the PUUS method. The mean age was 27.72 years old, and they were examined during the first 24–48 h after vaginal delivery, or in the first 48–72 h after cesarean delivery. For patients with a PUUS grade greater than 1, re-examination was preformed daily in the following days, until the PUUS grade decreased to 1 or 0. Results: By standardizing uterine involution in a numerical fashion, we precisely demonstrate that uterine involution varied with the method of delivery (vaginal/cesarean) and with the number of vials of oxytocin received intrapartum, but not with the number of vials of ergometrine maleate received, and not with the origin of the parturient (rural/urban).

Background and Objectives: The susceptibility of pregnant patients at term to SARS-CoV-2 infection regarding the ABO and Rh blood group polymorphism was analyzed in this study. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 457 patients admitted for delivery at term in our hospital, between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 were studied. There were 46 positive and 411 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. Their values for RT-PCR, ABO, and Rh blood group analyses, which were determined upon admittance, were studied. Results: A slightly higher percentage of infected pregnant patients at term belonged to the A blood group compared with the percentage belonging to the other blood groups; this was also true for the healthy control group. For the Rh-negative pregnant patients at term, the odds of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 was OR = 1.22 compared with Rh-positive patients where OR = 1. In our study, the highest risk was found among BIII Rh-negative pregnant patients at term (OR = 3). None of the above differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: No significant difference was found between the percentage of ABO or Rh blood groups in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients when compared with SARS-CoV-2 negative patients (p = 0.562).

Background and Objectives: objective measures of disability and neurological impairmentare used to search for disease activity and monitor disease evolution in multiple sclerosis (MS). These are sometimes in disagreement with subjective quality-of-life measures. We aimed to establish the relations between the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (MSQOL-54) and objective measures of neurological impairment. Materials and Methods: 107 patients with MS were evaluated with the Single Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) for cognition, Nine Holes Peg Test (9HPT) for upper limb function, 25 Feet Walk Test (25FWT) for gait, and EDSS for global disability in a cohort study. Age and education level were recorded as sociodemographic factors. Results: the median EDSS was 3.5 (IQR 2.5); average SDMT score was 30.38 ± 13.54; and 9HPT speed was significantly higher for the dominant upper limb (0.3 ± 0.1 pegs/s versus 0.28 ± 0.11 pegs/s) (p = 0.016). The mental health composite score of the MSQOL-54 correlated with the SDMT, education level, and EDSS. Education level correlated with cognition and quality of life. The physical health composite score of the MSQOL-54 correlated with motor-function parameters and with SDMT. The motor-function parameters correlated well among themselves. A linear regression model found an important influence of SDMT and education level on the mental health composite score of the MSQOL-54. Although the linear regression model predicting the physical health composite score from physical disability parameters was statistically sound, none of the determinants had a significant individual influence. Conclusions: the subscores of the MSQOL-54 correlated well with the objective parameters. The strongest correlations were those with the cognitive function. Correlations with physical disability were less powerful, probably reflecting their indirect and more limited influence on quality of life compared to cognition and perception of disability.

Ovarian cancer (OC) still registers a high prevalence in female gynecological pathology. Given the aggressiveness of the tumor and the lack of response to conventional therapies, a current research interest is the identification of new prognostic markers. Gal-8, a member of the galectin family of molecules, involved in tumorigenesis, disease progression, and metastasis, has been assigned as a valuable tumor prognostic factor, and its inhibition may open new perspectives in cancer therapeutic management. Few studies have been carried out so far to evaluate OCs’ galectin profiles. Our study aimed to characterize the Gal-8 profile in different types of ovarian neoplasia and to demonstrate its prognostic value. Our study group comprised 46 cases of OCs that were histologically and immunohistochemically investigated, introduced to Gal-8 immunoreactivity, qualitatively and semi-quantitatively evaluated, and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. Gal-8 immunoexpression was identified in tumor epithelial cells, showing a dominant nuclear labeling, followed by cytoplasmic and mixed, nuclear, and cytoplasmic labeling. Significant differences between tumor histotypes were found in the statistical analysis between low and high Gal-8 immunoscore levels and clinicopathological features: HGSC (eng.= high-grade serous carcinoma) vs. LGSC (eng. = low-grade serous carcinoma), pathogenic types (type I vs. type II), and tumor grades. Our results reflect Gal-8 expression variability depending on the histological type and subtype, the progression stages, and the degree of differentiation of ovarian tumors, supporting its value as a prognostic factor. Our findings open perspectives for larger studies to validate our results, along with a potential Gal-8 transformation into a future therapeutic target.

Objective: Endometriosis is associated with infertility and neoplasia and its diagnosis is usually delayed due to non-specific symptomatology. Despite the research efforts, there is an incomplete understanding of its etiopathogeny. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological findings in endometriosis and endometriosis-related ovarian neoplasia in order to identify the possible correlations and to highlight some features which may provide an early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on a group of 91 patients with endometriosis, along with a second group of 21 patients with endometriosis-related ovarian neoplasia. The complete clinical findings, clinical diagnosis, therapy, and histopathological characteristics have been analyzed. Results: The mean age of patients from endometriosis group has been 37.56 years, the main symptoms have been dysmenorrhea (65.93%) and/or chronic pelvic pain (62.63%), and the diagnoses have been that of ovarian endometriotic cysts (79%), cutaneous abdominal wall endometriosis (13.18%), and multifocal endometriosis (7.69%). In endometriosis-related ovarian neoplasia, the mean age of patients has been 60.26 years, the diagnoses have been that of endometrioid (42.85%) and clear cell carcinoma (38.09%), and mixed epithelial tumors (19.04%), while atypical endometriosis has been associated in 19.04%. Conclusions: Our results support the retrograde menstruation as the main mechanism of endometriosis, followed by direct mechanical implantation, and co-existence of several pathogenic mechanisms, on a background of genetic, endocrine, metabolic, and immunologic anomalies. Endometriosis association with malignancies, with the probability of an atypical transition phase is supported by our histopathological findings.

Background and Objectives: The multiple pregnancies associated with COVID-19 is a new and difficult condition to manage. The prognosis for rapid deterioration after the cesarean delivery is difficult to assess and needs close interdisciplinary follow-up due to pregnancy and postpartum-related changes. Materials and Methods: We report the case of a 37-year-old primigesta primipara patient who was admitted to “Elena Doamna” Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology at 33 weeks and 3 days of gestation with high-grade multiple pregnancies (triplets) for threatened premature birth associated with COVID-19. The patient had a history of surgically corrected atrial septal defect during childhood and currently is known to have paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Tocolysis was ineffective and the decision to perform a cesarean operation was made. The diagnosis was established: primigesta, primipara, at 34 weeks of gestation, high-grade multiple pregnancy with triplets, intact membranes, threatened premature birth, surgically corrected atrial septal defect, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, infection with COVID-19. The patient underwent a cesarean intervention and treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia. The intervention took place at 33 weeks and 4 days of gestation resulting in four newborns with weights between 1400 g and 1820 g and Apgar scores between 6–8. All newborns were transferred to a third-degree Neonatology ICU service due to their prematurity. The fourth newborn was not identified in any of the ultrasounds performed during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, the patient had a fulminant evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia, with rapid deterioration, needing respiratory support and antiviral treatment. Discussions: Managing high-risk obstetrical pregnancies associated with COVID-19 requires a multidisciplinary team consisting of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and infectious disease doctors. Conclusion: Our case is the first to our knowledge in Romania to present an association of high-grade multiple pregancy with COVID19 moderate form, rapidly evolving postpartum, needing rapid intensive care admission, and specific treatment with Remdesivir, with good post-treatment evolution.