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Introduction: Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are nonmodifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable factors are represented by: age, family history of CVD, race, sex, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, and the following are considered modifiable factors: diet rich in fat and salt, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, arterial disease, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation and sickle cell disease. It appears that modifiable factors are most involved in the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease, with some authors reporting a percentage of up to 90%. Material and method: We present a brief background of the literature on the interrelation between risk factors and the development of cerebrovascular disease in patients with anatomical variants in the Circle of Willis. There were performed a Google Scholar and also a MEDLINE search on PubMed using the following terms: "risk factors, stroke, anatomical variants, Circle of Willis" and "stroke, aneurysm, variants, Circle of Willis". Results and Discussion: Nonmodifiabible risk factors for stroke development are related to age, sex, ethnicity/race, genetical characteristics. Genetical characteristics have been associated with an increase of stroke development: parental or familial stroke history and the presence of a certain genetical mutation that can lead to stroke development. There are mentioned in literature as modifiable risk factors involved in the rupture of intracranial aneurysm: obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic diseases, high blood pressure, in patients with anatomical variants in the circle of Willis. Anatomical variations in the circle of Willis are associated with increased odds of intracranial aneurysms. Conclusion: Understanding the anatomy of the most common variations and their prevalence in the general population would be indicated for the anticipation of cerebral stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic and of the affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, the current pandemic, is associated with alarming rises among children and adolescents, and the forecasts for the near future are worrying. The present paper aims to draw attention to the short-term effects of the excess adipose tissue in the presence of a viral infection, which can be life-threatening for pediatric patients, given that the course of viral infections is often severe, if not critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the basis of these statements, which opened the door to the study of the repercussions of obesity in the presence of a viral infection. Since 2003, with the discovery of SARS-CoV-1, interest in the study of coronaviruses has steadily increased, with a peak during the pandemic. Thus, obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection and is correlated with a heightened risk of severe outcomes in pediatric patients. We sought to determine the main mechanisms through which obesity is responsible for the unfavorable evolution in the presence of a viral infection, with emphasis on the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, in the hope that future studies will further elucidate this aspect, enabling prompt and effective intervention in obese patients with viral infections, whose clinical progression is likely to be favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alarming statistics show that the number of people affected by excessive weight has surpassed 2 billion, representing approximately 30% of the world's population. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of one of the most serious public health problems, considering that obesity requires an integrative approach that takes into account its complex etiology, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Only an understanding of the connections between the many contributors to obesity and the synergy between treatment interventions can ensure satisfactory outcomes in reducing obesity. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated complications. Compounding factors such as the deleterious effects of stress, the novel challenge posed by the obesogenic digital (food) environment, and the stigma associated with obesity should not be overlooked. Preclinical research in animal models has been instrumental in elucidating these mechanisms, and translation into clinical practice has provided promising therapeutic options, including epigenetic approaches, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. However, more studies are necessary to discover new compounds that target key metabolic pathways, innovative ways to deliver the drugs, the optimal combinations of lifestyle interventions with allopathic treatments, and, last but not least, emerging biological markers for effective monitoring. With each passing day, the obesity crisis tightens its grip, threatening not only individual lives but also burdening healthcare systems and societies at large. It is high time we took action as we confront the urgent imperative to address this escalating global health challenge head-on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural tube defects occur early, in the first 30 days of fetal development, often before pregnancy is suspected or confirmed. The most common types encountered are spina bifida and anencephaly. The causes leading to the improper completion of the neural tube formation process are complicated. Environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors influence the process in its various stages. Research has shown that a simple gesture, that of administering folic acid in the appropriate dose of 400 mcg/day one month before conceiving and then during the first trimester of pregnancy, can prevent the occurrence of these defects in a large percentage of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Pediatru.ro is the property of MEDICHUB MEDIA, S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)