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The gastrointestinal microbiome contains at least 100 trillion microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), whose distribution varies from the mouth to the rectum spatially and temporally throughout one's lifetime. The microbiome benefits from advancing research due to its major role in human health. Studies indicate that its functions are immunity, metabolic processes and mucosal barrier. The disturbances of these functions, dysbiosis, influence physiology, lead to diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and colon tumorigenesis. The third most common form of cancer, colorectal cancer, is the result of many factors and genes, and although the link between dysbiosis and this type of cancer is poorly characterized, it has been shown that some bacterial species and their metabolites have a critical role in developing colorectal cancer. Also, gut microbiota plays a role in the inflammatory response and immune process perturbations during the progression of colorectal cancer. Some new technologies, such as metagenome sequencing, facilitated the progress by analyzing the metabolic and genetic profile of microbiota, revealing details about the bacterial composition, host interactions, and taxonomic alterations. This review summarizes the studies regarding the link between gut microbiota and colorectal cancer, targeting new therapeutic strategies.

The most common benign pelvic tumor in young women is uterine leiomyoma. It is often asymptomatic, but can cause symptoms such as pelvic-abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, urinary and intestinal transit disorders. If there is a suspicion of malignancy, it is necessary to perform fractional uterine curettage to establish the histopathological diagnosis. The surgical treatment of uterine leiomyoma includes several procedures: myomectomy, subtotal or total hysterectomy. The procedure will be chosen depending on the patient's particularities: BMI, uterine size, leiomyoma location, surgical history or other associated pathologies. Laparoscopic hysterectomy has a 45-minute shorter duration of intervention than vaginal hysterectomy, and the conversion rate to the open procedure is lower. Laparoscopically treated cases have fewer postoperative complications compared to other surgical procedures and have a shorter hospitalization and recovery time. The recurrence rate of uterine leiomyoma is similar for both laparoscopic and open abdominal approach, and the frequency of long-term complications such as adhesion syndrome or pelvic pain is higher after the latter.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 85–95% of kidney cancers and is the most frequent type of renal cancer in adult patients. It accounts for 3% of all cancer cases and is in 7th place among the most frequent histological types of cancer. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), accounts for 75% of RCCs and has the most kidney cancer-related deaths. One-third of the patients with ccRCC develop metastases. Renal cancer presents cellular alterations in sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acid metabolism. RCC is characterized by several metabolic dysregulations including oxygen sensing (VHL/HIF pathway), glucose transporters (GLUT 1 and GLUT 4) energy sensing, and energy nutrient sensing cascade. Metabolic reprogramming represents an important characteristic of the cancer cells to survive in nutrient and oxygen-deprived environments, to proliferate and metastasize in different body sites. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway is usually dysregulated in various cancer types including renal cancer. This molecular pathway is frequently correlated with tumor growth and survival. The main aim of this review is to present renal cancer types, dysregulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway members, crosstalk with VHL/HIF axis, and carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acid alterations.

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 middle-aged women have revealed that BMI, parity, age, hysterectomy, smoking, race/ ethnicity and diabetes are factors often associated with urinary incontinence. Future studies are needed to further explore the risk factors for urinary incontinence.

Over 170 million people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes and it’s estimated that the number will reach 370 million cases by 2030. Diabetes represents a major risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases with a high mortality rate. Furthermore, diabetes represents a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD) cases and its association leads to significant increase in risk for vascular and cardiac events at foot and leg level thus impacting the quality of life of the patient. The atherosclerosis which is found at the base of PAD pathogenesis results from accumulation of lipids and fibrous material between the tunica intima and tunica media vascular walls resulting in progressive constriction of the vessel’s flux. This phenomenon can lead to complications such as thrombosis or rupture of the atheroma plaque which results in occlusion of downstream vessels. Reducing the risk factors which contribute to the atherosclerosis pathogenesis such as endothelial dysfunction, increase in platelets activity, dyslipidemia, immunological and inflammatory factors as well as tobacco contributes to the reduction of atherothrombotic episodes with impact on the patient’s quality of life.

It is unanimously accepted that patients with diabetes have a higher likelihood for infections. The metabolic imbalance associated with diabetes suppresses the immunity system of the cutaneous organ. Hyperglycemia causes an increase of the activity of the sorbitol route with consumption of NADPH. Furthermore, the sorbitol from the cells leads to increase of osmolality in cells as well as reduction of intracellular myo-inositol. These strains on the cellular metabolism expose the cells to oxidative stress. An additional factor is the reduced chemotaxis and phagocytosis impact on the bacterial activity of leukocytes which leads to further predisposition of infection for diabetes patients. Hence the poor control of glycemic levels leads to immunity changes which affects the local immune response against the aggression of pathogenic agents.

Since ancient times, wild plants have widely been traditionally consumed by different communities but today are gaining relevance due to their healthy properties. Vegetables, including wild edible species, constitute an important source of active natural products: micronutrients, especially vitamins and minerals and phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties important in the prevention of various pathologies including degenerative, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Some species of wild and cultivated edible plants were comparatively evaluated considering the content in bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity. Biochemical analysis of the fresh leaves indicated similar or even higher values of nutritive compounds (sugars, protids) and antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids, flavones, chlorophylls, ascorbic acid) in the species from spontaneous flora as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), wild garlic (Allium ursinum) than in the green lettuce and garden rocket commonly consumed around the world. Therefore, these wild plants could be recommended for consumers not only as new ingredients to improve their diet diversity but also for providing potential health benefits.

Increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) calls for improved management of these patients. In stage 5 CKD, when the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) becomes necessary, there is an increase in the infection risk of the patients and immunological tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection turn positive at an alarmingly higher rate compared to general population. With the introduction into clinical practice of diagnostic tests, the increased prevalence of HCV among CKD patients has been known since the 1990s. Also, the negative impacts of HCV infection on CKD evolution as well as the unfavorable evolution of grafts received by HCV infected patients are known. Chronic hemodialysis patients are a category of patients whose risk of HCV infection is substantial. Currently, in the hemodialysis centers, at the base of the transmission of HCV infection there are a multitude of factors. Infection with HCV has a different impact on patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Comorbidities in this case have significant sources of mortality and morbidity. It was proven that the post transplantations problems were prevented and mortality was reduced for patients who were diagnosed with HCV and in whom the infection was treated before the kidney transplant (KT). Consequently, early detection of the infection and the application of specific treatment has a considerable impact on the outcome of the patients. Another important component of the management of HCV infection in the chronic hemodialysis patients is the prevention of the infection transmission by applying specific methods.

Stroke is a public health problem especially in developed countries, being an important cause of death and disability. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population varies from country to country. The percentage of afflicted patients is on the rise, mainly due to the high incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and of the kidney vascular diseases (hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis and ischemic nephropathy). In patients with CKD, strokes are relatively frequent, especially hemorrhagic ones, due to a host of risk factors, both modifiable and unmodifiable. Cardiovascular complications (which may be prevented by risk factors control) are the main culprit for the relatively high mortality rate of CKD patients, frequently leading to their death before the initiation of renal replacement treatment (dialysis, kidney transplant).

Thyroid angiosarcoma (AS) is a specific type of vascular tumor that arises from the endothelial cells, being highly aggressive, with increased recurrence rates and metastasis. It is characterized by positive endothelial markers and co-positive markers for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen. We are describing the case of a 76-year-old patient who presented to the hospital for dyspnea and asthenia. The clinical and paraclinical investigations confirmed the presence of a right large thyroid nodule, which turned out positive at immunostaining for AS. Even if thyroid AS is a rare type of tumor, mainly described in the Alps, one has to take into account that it can evolve in any other regions and should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Polyrheumatoid arthritis (PA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition of unknown origin and autoimmune pathogenesis. It affects several articulations, which become damaged and deformed; furthermore, multiple systemic manifestations are often encountered. Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an important risk factor for the occurrence of CKD and is mandatory that clinicians possess a good knowledge of the mechanisms determining renal impairment and means to prevent it.

Following the increase in incidence and prevalence of the risk factors responsible for the occurence of renal impairment is the increase of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the renal function declines and the end stage of the chronic kidney disease is reached, it is necessary to start one of the following methods for substituting the renal function: renal transplantation, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The treatment of choice for most patients is hemodialysis, both in Romania and abroad in the international medical centers. According to official data, the number of patients undergoing hemodialysis is constantly growing. Hemodialysis adequacy evaluation instruments must be familiar among clinicians in order to provide a treatment that meets the quality standards.

Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in NAFLD molecular mechanism. Nanoencapsulation represents a novel strategy to enhance therapeutic potential of conventional drugs. Our study analyses the encapsulated vitamin E effect on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress biomarkers in NAFLD rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups : G1 - the normal diet group; G2- the high caloric diet group ; G3 - high-caloric diet group receiving PLGA-vit E, 50 mg / kg. Serum advanced human oxidative protein (AOPP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and vitamin E were analysed using ELISA technique. Our results showed significant increase of G2 GPT, ALP, GGT, TG, glucose, TC and AOPP, versus G1 ( P [ 0.05) and a significant decrease of G2 serum TAC and vitamin E versus G1 results ( p = 0.01 and 0.01). Vitamin E nanoparticles (G3) caused a significant increase of TAC and significant decrease of serum AOPP, versus G2 (p [ 0.01). Results showed a significant reduction of GPT, GGT, ALP, TG and total cholesterol ( p [0.05) in G3 versus G2. PLGA nanoparticles should be considered an attractive and promising alternative to improve the bioavailability and biological activity of vitaminE.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for over 90% of all renal malignancies, and mainly affects the male population. Obesity and smoking are involved in the pathogenesis of several systemic cancers including RCC. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, migration, survival, angiogenesis, and metabolism. Growth factors, hormones, cytokine and many extracellular cues activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Dysregulation of this molecular pathway is frequently reported in human cancers including RCC and is associated with aggressive development and poor survival rate. mTOR is the master regulator of cell metabolism and growth, and is activated in many pathological processes such as tumour formation, insulin resistance and angiogenesis. mTOR inhibitors are used at present as drug therapy for RCC to inhibit cell proliferation, growth, survival, and the cell cycle. Temsirolimus and everolimus are two mTOR inhibitors that are currently used for the treatment of RCC. Drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway may be one of the best therapeutic options for RCC.

Obesity is a worldwide pandemic health issue. Obesity is associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and kidney diseases. This systemic disease can affect the kidneys by two mechanisms: Indirectly through diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension and directly through adipokines secreted by adipose tissue. Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality among the adult population. Increased visceral adipose tissue leads to renal glomerular hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion, which may lead to glomerular hypertrophy, proteinuria, and CKD development. Adipokines are hormones produced by fat tissue. They are involved in energy homeostasis, sugar and fat metabolism, reproduction, immunity, and thermogenesis control. Hormones and cytokines secreted by adipose tissue contribute to the development and progression of CKD. Decreased serum or urinary adiponectin levels are specific in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD patients, while leptin presents increased levels, and both are associated with the development of glomerulopathy. Excessive adipose tissue is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), insulin resistance and activation of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Therefore, adipose tissue dysfunction plays an important role in the development of CKD.

An increasing number of patients require renal replacement therapy through dialysis and renal transplantation. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects a large percentage of the world's population and has evolved into a major public health concern. Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure are all major risk factors for CKD. Patients in advanced stages of CKD have varying degrees of cardiovascular damage. Comorbidities of these patients, include, on the one hand, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia and, on the other hand, the presence of mineral-bone disorders associated with CKD and chronic inflammation, which contribute to cardiovascular involvement. Acute complications occur quite frequently during dialysis. Among these, the most important are cardiovascular complications, which influence the morbidity and mortality rates of this group of patients. Chronic hemodialysis patients manifest acute cardiovascular complications such as intradialytic hypotension, intradialytic hypertension, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and sudden death. Thus, proper management is extremely important.

As life expectancy increases, a rise in the number of chronically ill patients is observed due to the aging population. Among the various diseases, chronic kidney disease is at present one of the main causes of morbidity and, due to its typical complications, it is also one of the most important causes of mortality in the general population. For these reasons, the understanding of the kidney aging process, its consequences and its adequate management are essential. The judicious use of certain types of drugs, the prevention of episodes of renal injury either by toxic mechanisms or by dehydration are important aspects and are part of the apropriate approach for elderly patients. The most effective treatment of various types of conditions with a negative impact on renal function and for which an increased incidence is known as we age should also be considered. Thus, in the case of elderly patients, in order to protect the kidneys, an integrative approach is recommended, one that includes both elements of prevention and the appropriate treatment of existing diseases.

Hemodialysis is a method for the renal replacement therapy followed by series of acute and chronic complications. Dyselectrolytemia appears in patients undergoing dialysis through mechanisms related to the chronic kidney disease and/or to the dialysis therapy and for this group of patients it is associated with an increase of morbidity and mortality. The dialysate has a standard composition, which can be modified according to the patient's characteristics. During hemodialysis patients are exposed to 18,000-36.000 litres of water/year, and the water purity along with the biochemical composition of the dialysate are essential. The individualization of the dialysis prescription is recommended for each patient and it has an important role in preventing the occurrence of dyselectrolyemia. The individualization of the treatment prescription according to the blood constants of each patient is the prerogative of the nephrologist and the association of the electrolyte imbalances with the patients cardiovascular mortality explains the importance of paying special attention to them.

The presence of taste receptors and their secondary messengers in stomach raised the possibility that the stomach might play a role in food ‘tasting’ and consequently, it might initiate specific adaptations of its secretory and motor function. Furthermore, activated taste receptors release a variety of chemical mediators able to modulate the activity of the enteric nervous system (ENS), and also to influence both secretory and motor functions of the stomach. Based on the physiological fundamental structure of a reflex arch, the stimulation of the gastric taste receptors activates sensory neurons of the gastric wall, continues with motor neurons which initiate the contraction of the local smooth muscle fibers. Beyond this, compounds which act on different taste receptors initiate different responses, stimulatory or inhibitory. These interactions may be translated in the gastric ability to selectively evacuate different nutritive compounds into the duodenum. Consequently, sugars could be favored to the detriment of other compounds.

The purpose of this study was to determinate , using the Finite Element Analysis Method, the mechanical stress in a solid body , temporary molar restored with the self-curing GC material. The originality of our study consisted in using an accurate structural model and applying a concentrated force and a uniformly distributed pressure. Molar structure was meshed in a Solid Type 45 and the output data were obtained using the ANSYS software. The practical predictions can be made about the behavior of different restorations materials.

Due to the increasing number of patients in recent years, diabetes represents one of the major medical concerns. This is owed to the meaningful impact this disease has on patients� quality of life and secondary to its complications over patient survival. Diabetic nephropathy epitomises one of the complications in these patients and plays a significant role in establishing their life expectancy.

The aim of the study was to asses the primary teeth integrity from the Korkhaus zone in a sample of patients aged between 6 and 9 years old (72-108 months, mean age 88.43), attending the Paedodontics Department from Carol Davila University, Bucharest. Material and methods. The retrospective study was conducted on 140 patients (70 girls). Dental status of the Korkhaus teeth was evaluated: sound, decayed, filled, physiological rizalise and early extraction. The carious experience indices were also calculated for each sex: dmft, dmfs, DMFT, DMFS. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Results. Korkhaus zone. Sounds (58.81%): c- 28.21%; m1-15.11%; m2-15.48%. Decayed (34.23%): c-3.33%; m1- 15%; m2-16%. Filled (2.26%): c-0%; m1-1.07%; m2- 1.2%. Physiological rizalise (2.32%): c-0.65%; m1- 1.37%; m2-0.3%. Early extraction (2.38%): c-1%; m1-0.77%; m2-0.5%. Carious experience. Girls: dmft 5.28±3.72; dmfs 11.62±10.64; DMFT 0.9±1.49; DMFS 1.07±1.76. Boys: dmft 4.98±3.92; dmfs 11.49±12.82; DMFT 0.67 ±1.13; DMFS 0.74±1.3. Conclusions. Only 60% from the Korkhaus teeth were sound. Girls were more affected by caries than boys. Immediate preventive local methods and the treatment of incipient carious lesions are important goals for the primary teeth from the Korkhaus zone

Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer that has been the focus of intense research due to its potential applications in medical research. Its uses in nanotechnology are underlined by its capability of targeting various cells and delivering active compounds to different human tissues. To date, PLGA nanoparticles are employed in areas such as vaccination therapy, diagnostic imaging procedure and various applications in various anticancer therapies. The aim of the present study is to measure and evaluate different correlations between oxidative stress parameters in spleen and liver following administration of nanoparticles encapsulated with lutein in an animal model. Our results show that acute oral administration of PLGA NPs induces a change in the oxidative stress status in both liver and spleen of rats, but does not induce oxidative stress damage to cell structures such as lipids or proteins.

Introduction: It is widely recognized that saliva represents a solid alternative as a diagnostic fluid in a wide range of oral and general diseases. Autoimmune diseases constitute an important health threat to both men and women worldwide with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) playing significant roles in pathogenesis and development of these diseases. The specific aim of the present study is to asses, for the first time, salivary levels of a selected panel of MMPs in several autoimmune diseases. Methodology: The study included 30 patients divided into groups such as: systemic sclerosis, vasculitis and healthy subjects. Salivary levels of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -10 were analyzed using magnetic bead-based multiplex assays and Luminex technology. Results: MMP-2 salivary levels were statistically elevated in systemic sclerosis, while MMP-10 were also increased in vasculitis patients. Salivary levels of MMP-9 were found significantly increased in all analyzed groups. Conclusion: Taken together, our results promote saliva as a reliable diagnostic fluid for quantifying MMPs in autoimmune diseases.

This study presents statistically processed morphometric data on maxillary and mandibular keratinised mucosa height and some clinical considerations. Measurements were performed at incisive, premolar and molar levels, in the maxillary and the mandibular jaws, in 31 patients (21 women and 10 men). The results obtained were centralised and the mean values of the keratinised mucosa height were determined, which were graphically presented. These results were then discussed by comparing with the findings in other studies.

Rosa canina L. fruit have been used internally as tea for treatment of viral infections and disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract. Also, it was reported that the R. canina fruit, with its high ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoids contents, have antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and thus protect the organism. Research studies conducted on this topic have shown that natural antioxidants are involved in protection against many diseases: cancer, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. Different processing and storage methods of the fruit could affect the bioactive nutrients while preserving the antioxidant capacity of them is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage in a dry or frozen state on the antioxidants content of R. canina fruit. The evaluation involved determination of carotenes, ascorbic acid and total polyphenols using spectrophotometrically methods. Analysis performed on the R. canina fruit showed significant changes in the antioxidants content in fresh, dried and frozen fruit during storage.

Objectives. Our research team aimed to evaluate the effects smoking has on several salivary parameters and to assess if there are any correlations between smoking and the cariogenic activity. Material and method. The present research included a total of 35 participants. Saliva was collected from every participant to the study. Salivary chloride, calcium and potassium levels, as well as salivary flux and pH were determined for all subjects. Results. Our results showed significantly lower salivary flux and pH levels in smokers compared to nonsmokers (p < 0.01). Chloride, calcium and potassium we found to have higher concentrations in smokers compared to the control group. However, a statistical significance could be found only for calcium (p = 0.02). Moreover, we were able to find in the smokers group a positive correlation in smokers between salivary chloride levels and cariogenic activity as well as a negative correlation could be found in smokers between salivary calcium levels and the cariogenic activity Conclusions. The results of the present study show that smoking alters salivary parameters and that these modifications can favour the development of dental caries.

Objectives. To determine the correlations between carioactivity, quantified by the cariogenic index, and total plasma proteins, protein fractions and salivary immunoglobulins. Material and method. We conducted the study on a group of 23 patients with chronic liver disease of alcoholic etiology, who underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations. Total plasma proteins, albumin, alpha-1-globulins, alpha-2-globulins, beta-globulins, gamma-globulins, plasmatic IgG, IgA, IgM, plasma IgA/IgG and salivary immunoglobulins values were determined. Results. We determined the following mean values: cariogenic index 1.78±1.00, total plasmatic protein concentration 7.45±0.51 g/l, albumin 59.90±6.63%, α1-globulin 3.79±1.58%, α2-globulin 9.08±0.95%, β-globulin 11.44±2.80%, γ-globulin 15.79±3.42%, plasmatic IgG 14.76±3.64 g/l, plasmatic IgA 3.58±1.94 g/l, plasmatic IgA/IgG ratio 0.24±0.13, plasmatic IgM 1.43±0.65 g/l, total salivary proteins 1.25±0.85 g/l, salivary IgG 3.05±0.63 mg/dl, salivary IgA 22.18±7.33 mg/dl, salivary IgA/IgG ratio 7.31±2.60. Conclusions. We have established statistically significant correlations between the cariogenic index and the total plasma proteins, plasmatic alpha-2 fraction and plasmatic IgG.

Assessment of changes in total proteins level, serum and saliva IgG and IgA levels, serum IgM level, serum and saliva IgA/IgG ratio. The study was conducted on a group of 40 subjects, divided into 2 lots: the first lot consisting of 20 healthy individuals and the second consisting of 20 patients with hepatitis with hepatitis A virus (HAV). The levels of total proteins, serum and saliva IgG and IgA, serum IgM and serum and saliva IgA/IgG ratio have higher values in patients with hepatitis A, in comparison to healthy subjects, without necessarily exceeding the maximum admitted value. The results are significant from a statistical point of view. Due to the sensitivity and specificity of salivary anti-HAV IgM and IgG in patients with acute hepatitis A, compared with healthy subjects, there is a possibility of using salivary immunological tests instead of serum tests for the diagnosis and epidemiological study of HAV infection.

Cardiovascular comorbidities have a high rate of prevalence in the chornically hemodialysed patient. The link between these two affections is due to several factors which have a major role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypervolemia, nutritional disorders, anemia, hyperuricemia, bone mineral disorders, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis. There is also a tight connection between chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases in the chronically hemodialysed patient.

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity plays an important role as a pivotal source of reactive oxygen species. The aim of our study was to investigate possible correlations of XOR serum levels with oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity - TAC, anti-oxidative stress responsive 1 antibody - OXSR1) and inflammation markers (interleukin 6 - IL-6), in 20 hemodialysis diabetic patients. The present study included the hemodialysis diabetic patients group (10 males and 10 females) and the control group (20 healthy volunteers). For serum XOR (ng/mL), TAC (U/mL) and OXSR1 (ng/ml) measurements we have used the ELISA technique. Serum IL6 (pg/mL) was performed using an automatic immunoassay system (Immulite 1000, Siemens- Germany). Comparing the two groups, our results revealed significantly increased serum levels for XOR (6.2�1.5 / 3.9�1.1); OXSR1 (11.3�2.9 / 6.2�2.1) and IL6 (7.0�1.2 / 5.0�0.4). Patients� serum levels of TAC were significantly decreased compared with the control group values (25.2�3.9 / 33.5�2.8). It becomes more and more obvious that oxidative stress is an important element initiating diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic kidney disease. Our results suggested that XOR should be regarded as an important target in the attempt to reduce oxidative stress in the context of diabetic kidney disease.

Silver is used nowadays in numerous domains, from the manufacture of jewelery to the medical field. It has also healing properties being used as a wound dressing that creates an aseptic environment. The management of wound healing using a skin grafts often requires hospital admission, a period of immobility, attentive donor site wound care and pain control. A prospective study was realized to evaluate the silver dressing efficacy in treating lesions after skin grafting of chronic ulcers. Our evaluation showed good results with an accelerated re-epithelialization.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recent population based epidemiological studies demonstrated a correlation between reduced renal function and risk for all causes and cardiovascular mortality, 50% of patients dying before the commencement of renal replacement therapy. Vascular calcifications (VC) and arterial stiffness are major contributors to cardiovascular disease and are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients. Scarce information is available on the risk factors and prognosis of predialysis patients with VC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of traditional and uremia related risk factors to abdominal aortic calcification in predialysis patients. A single center, retrospective study was performed on 305 adult patients monitored at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital for at least 6 months. Our study reports an increased incidence of VC in predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, higher in those with advanced age, history of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and declining renal function.

The monitoring and care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before the dialysis initiation contribute to a better survival rate and an improvement in quality of life. The patients who do not benefit from a good predialysis management have a worse short and long-term prognosis. A retrospective, unicentric study was performed to evaluate the status of patients with stage 5 CKD at the time of initiation of renal replacement treatment. A total of 109 patients were included in the study. The evaluation of the patients included the clinical manifestations leading to hemodialysis initiation, the clinical and laboratory data of the patients when the hemodialysis was started. Based on the obtained data, a statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. The mean age of the patients was 64.61±13.59 years. Of the patients 51.38% were women. Vascular nephropathies and diabetes mellitus dominated the etiology of CKD. The comorbidities were high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, history of myocardial infarction, heart failure, history of stroke, peripheral artery disease or atrial fibrillation. Only 43 (39.45%) of our patients were monitored before the hemodialysis initiation. Hemodialysis was initiated on central venous catheter (in most cases non-tunneled) in 78.90% of the patients. Most of the patients had an altered general status, fatigue/tiredness with poor exercise capacity when hemodialysis was initiated. Most of the patients (98.17%) had anemia, the average level of hemoglobin being 8.69±1.85 g/dl. In conclusion, careful monitoring of patients in the early stages of CKD would result in lower morbidity and mortality. These objectives can be achieved by implementing screening programs and early interventions.

Negative pressure wound therapy is one of the newest methods of treatment used in wound healing. An important role of the system has a foam dressing that connects the wound with the vacuum. In general the sponge used in vacuum assisted therapies is made of polyurethane foam. We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis (known for about 3 years) diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis (NF). In this patient, after each step of the surgical treatment (large debridement and skin grafting) negative pressure wound therapy using polyurethane foam was used.

We present the case of a 65 year old female patient with a history of bilateral hydronephrosis (known for about 3 years) diagnosed with keratinizing squamous carcinoma and chronic kidney disease. The low adherence of the patient to the uterine cervical cancer screening program led to the diagnosis of tumor in an advanced stage. In this patient, specific urological treatment (bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy) was not associated with significant improvement in renal function, and therefore she was deemed ESRD, dialysis dependent.

The survival of CKD patients has known significant improvement with the appearance of extrarenal clearance methods. Being a domain in a rapid progression, the hemodialysis membranes have been, in time, one of the key modifying points. In this paper will make a short presentation of the features of hemodialysis membranes and will point out aspects which need future research.