Article
Immunology
Marco Contoli, Alberto Papi, Luca Tomassetti, Paola Rizzo, Francesco Vieceli Dalla Sega, Francesca Fortini, Francesca Torsani, Luca Morandi, Luca Ronzoni, Ottavio Zucchetti, Rita Pavasini, Alberto Fogagnolo, Carlo Alberto Volta, Nathan W. Bartlett, Sebastian L. Johnston, Savino Spadaro, Gianluca Campo
Summary: This study demonstrates that COVID-19 patients have lower levels of blood IFN-alpha compared to controls, and as the disease progresses, the IFN-alpha levels decrease while IL-10 expression increases. Survivors show a significant increase in IFN-alpha levels, while patients who died had higher levels of IL-10.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Bandar Alosaimi, Ayman Mubarak, Maaweya E. Hamed, Abdullah Z. Almutairi, Ahmed A. Alrashed, Abdullah AlJuryyan, Mushira Enani, Faris Q. Alenzi, Wael Alturaiki
Summary: This study revealed elevated levels of complement proteins and inflammatory cytokines in critical COVID-19 patients, along with decreased levels of factor I and C4-BP. Higher levels of C5a, C3a, and factor P were associated with non-survival patients, along with increased IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-8 levels. These findings suggest the potential prognostic utility of the complement system in predicting COVID-19 severity and mortality.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Astha Thakkar, Jesus D. Gonzalez-Lugo, Niyati Goradia, Radhika Gali, Lauren C. Shapiro, Kith Pradhan, Shafia Rahman, So Yeon Kim, Brian Ko, R. Alejandro Sica, Noah Kornblum, Lizamarie Bachier-Rodriguez, Margaret McCort, Sanjay Goel, Roman Perez-Soler, Stuart Packer, Joseph Sparano, Benjamin Gartrell, Della Makower, Yitz D. Goldstein, Lucia Wolgast, Amit Verma, Balazs Halmos
Summary: Most cancer patients show high seroconversion rates after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, but those with hematologic malignancies, especially after highly immunosuppressive therapies, exhibit lower conversion rates. Patients on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or hormonal therapy display high conversion rates.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk, Jerzy Jaroszewicz, Magdalena Rogalska, Beata Lorenc, Marta Rorat, Anna Szymanek-Pasternak, Anna Piekarska, Aleksandra Berkan-Kawinska, Katarzyna Sikorska, Magdalena Tudrujek-Zdunek, Barbara Oczko-Grzesik, Beata Bolewska, Piotr Czupryna, Dorota Kozielewicz, Justyna Kowalska, Regina Podlasin, Krzysztof Klos, Wlodzimierz Mazur, Piotr Leszczynski, Bartosz Szetela, Katarzyna Reczko, Robert Flisiak
Summary: Patients with kidney failure have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and increased mortality rate. Age, baseline SpO(2), inflammatory markers, as well as other comorbidities are independent predictors of fatal outcome in COVID-19 patients with kidney disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amany Magdy Beshbishy, Victor B. Oti, Diaa E. Hussein, Ibrahim F. Rehan, Oluyomi S. Adeyemi, Nallely Rivero-Perez, Adrian Zaragoza-Bastida, Muhammad Ajmal Shah, Khaled Abouelezz, Helal F. Hetta, Natalia Cruz-Martins, Gaber El-Saber Batiha
Summary: Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 are global public health concerns, with the virus spreading through multiple pathways. Diabetic patients face higher risks of developing severe COVID-19 due to underlying disorders, highlighting the importance of strict glucose monitoring to prevent complications.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Pengping Li, Wei Wu, Tingting Zhang, Ziyu Wang, Jie Li, Mengyan Zhu, Yuan Liang, Wenhua You, Kening Li, Rong Ding, Bin Huang, Lingxiang Wu, Weiwei Duan, Yi Han, Xuesong Li, Xin Tang, Xin Wang, Han Shen, Qianghu Wang, Hong Yan, Xinyi Xia, Yong Ji, Hongshan Chen
Summary: COVID-19 patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease exhibited a higher abnormal percentage of cardiac markers, leading to increased mortality and ICU admission rates. BNP, along with hs-TNI, alpha-HBDH, CK-MB, and LDH, serve as prognostic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients with or without pre-existing coronary artery disease.
Article
Immunology
Nobuaki Matsunaga, Kayoko Hayakawa, Mari Terada, Hiroshi Ohtsu, Yusuke Asai, Shinya Tsuzuki, Setsuko Suzuki, Ako Toyoda, Kumiko Suzuki, Mio Endo, Naoki Fujii, Michiyo Suzuki, Sho Saito, Yukari Uemura, Taro Shibata, Masashi Kondo, Kazuo Izumi, Junko Terada-Hirashima, Ayako Mikami, Wataru Sugiura, Norio Ohmagari
Summary: This study in Japan examined hospitalized patients with COVID-19, finding that they are typically middle-aged males with close contact to confirmed or suspected cases. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes. Most patients admitted were nonsevere cases, with a majority not requiring oxygen support during hospitalization.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rafael Luis Luporini, Henrique Pott-Junior, Maria Carolina B. Di Medeiros Leal, Alex Castro, Antonio Gilberto Ferreira, Marcia Regina Cominetti, Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
Summary: The study found that serum phenylalanine levels are positively correlated with disease severity in COVID-19 patients, independent of inflammatory cytokines. Patients with mild disease have lower serum phenylalanine levels in the early stages of the disease.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Rodrigo Nunez-Cortes, Ruben Lopez-Bueno, Rodrigo Torres-Castro, Camilo Soto-Carmona, Maritza Ortega-Palavecinos, Sofia Perez-Alenda, Lilian Solis-Navarro, Oscar Diaz-Cambronero, Francisco M. Martinez-Arnau, Joaquin Calatayud
Summary: The aim of this prospective study was to examine the risk factors most associated with mortality one year after diagnosis of COVID-19. The study found that age was the most important risk factor, and disabilities, institutionalization, and socioeconomic status were also significantly associated with mortality.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zahi Abu Ghosh, Donna R. Zwas, Andre Keren, Gabby Elbaz-Greener, Vered Israeli, Offer Amir, Israel Gotsman
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical management and survival rate of heart failure (HF) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. It found that HF patients infected with COVID-19 had a high mortality rate, but overall mortality did not increase during the pandemic. The study also noted a significant decrease in the usage of medical services during the pandemic period.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ioana Mihaela Citu, Cosmin Citu, Florin Gorun, Radu Neamtu, Andrei Motoc, Bogdan Burlea, Ovidiu Rosca, Felix Bratosin, Samer Hosin, Diana Manolescu, Raul Patrascu, Oana Maria Gorun
Summary: This study examines the condition of heart failure (HF) in COVID-19 patients and finds that advanced HF patients face a higher risk of mortality and severe complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study also reveals that HF patients classified as NYHA IV have longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. Additionally, the results suggest a need for readmissions among HF patients after recovery from COVID-19, with a high risk of mortality associated with ICU admission.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Piotr Rola, Adrian Doroszko, Malgorzata Trocha, Katarzyna Giniewicz, Krzysztof Kujawa, Jakub Gawrys, Tomasz Matys, Damian Gajecki, Marcin Madziarski, Stanislaw Zielinski, Tomasz Skalec, Jaroslaw Drobnik, Agata Sebastian, Anna Zubkiewicz-Zarebska, Barbara Adamik, Krzysztof Kaliszewski, Katarzyna Kilis-Pstrusinska, Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz, Michal Pomorski, Marcin Protasiewicz, Janusz Sokolowski, Szymon Wlodarczak, Ewa Anita Jankowska, Katarzyna Madziarska
Summary: This study evaluated the predictive value of the C2HEST score in patients with heart failure and non-heart failure. The results showed that the C2HEST score had significantly better predictive performance in non-heart failure patients compared to heart failure patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Li-Juan Gao, Zhong-Mei He, Yi-Ying Li, Rui-Rui Yang, Min Yan, Xuan Shang, Ji-Min Cao
Summary: COVID-19 can cause heart damage and heart failure. The OAS gene family is associated with cardiac injury and failure in COVID-19. Therefore, targeting the OAS gene family may be a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19-related cardiac complications.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Julian Mustroph, Julian Hupf, Maria J. Baier, Katja Evert, Christoph Brochhausen, Katharina Broeker, Christine Meindl, Benedikt Seither, Carsten Jungbauer, Matthias Evert, Lars S. Maier, Stefan Wagner
Summary: Increased left ventricular fibrosis and elevated levels of inflammatory genes were observed in deceased COVID-19 patients. High levels of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in blood were associated with disease severity, while left ventricular strain was strongly correlated with clinical outcome. Elevated NRP-1 RNA levels in the heart and lungs of COVID-19 patients may predispose them to worse clinical outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ana-Olivia Toma, Mihaela Prodan, Akash Reddy Reddyreddy, Edward Seclaman, Zorin Crainiceanu, Vlad Bloanca, Felix Bratosin, Catalin Dumitru, Ciprian Nicolae Pilut, Satish Alambaram, Neeharika Gayatri Vasamsetti, Luminita Decean, Marius Pricop
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the epidemiology and clinical data of malignant melanoma, leading to a later stage of diagnosis. This study aims to systematically analyze the trends and patient outcomes of malignant melanoma during the pandemic. The findings show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in TNM staging, a decrease in the number of patients, and an increase in Breslow depth index.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tamara Mirela Porosnicu, Dorel Sandesc, Daniel Jipa, Ciprian Gindac, Cristian Oancea, Felix Bratosin, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Shiva Charana Kodimala, Ciprian Nicolae Pilut, Laura Alexandra Nussbaum, Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu
Summary: The high mortality risk in severe SARS-CoV-2 infections is closely related to the extreme elevation of inflammatory markers. This study examined the efficacy and outcomes of plasma exchange (TPE) based on different treatment methods in COVID-19 patients. It was found that TPE significantly reduced IL-6, CRP, and ESR levels, but had no significant impact on survival rate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
George Dahma, Marius Craina, Catalin Dumitru, Radu Neamtu, Zoran Laurentiu Popa, Adrian Gluhovschi, Cosmin Citu, Felix Bratosin, Vlad Bloanca, Satish Alambaram, Anthony Willie, Shiva Charana Kodimala, Rodica Anamaria Negrean, Elena Bernad
Summary: Existing studies suggest that adequate vitamin D levels improve the prognosis and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the effect of vitamin D supplementation on gestational hypertension during pregnancy is still controversial. This research aimed to evaluate whether there are significant differences in vitamin D levels during pregnancy among pregnant women who develop gestational hypertension after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that low vitamin D levels and first-trimester SARS-CoV-2 infection may play a role in the development of gestational hypertension.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ingrid Hrubaru, Andrei Motoc, Catalin Dumitru, Felix Bratosin, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Satish Alambaram, Ioana Mihaela Citu, Gratiana Nicoleta Chicin, Izabella Erdelean, Florin Gorun, Cosmin Citu, Zoran Laurentiu Popa
Summary: Premature birth is a global health issue with high mortality risk, emotional and financial difficulties, and long-term health issues. Identifying predictors for preterm birth is crucial for improving obstetric care, and non-invasive serum parameters like HALP score, PT, aPTT, D-dimers, and FAR can provide significant prediction capabilities. These findings highlight the importance of assessing these parameters in at-risk pregnant women.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Vlad Barbos, Bogdan Feciche, Felix Bratosin, Iulia Bogdan, Rodica Anamaria Negrean, Silviu Latcu, Alexei Croitor, Vlad Dema, Razvan Bardan, Alin Adrian Cumpanas
Summary: The study aimed to collect reliable information on urothelial cancer patients in Romania and compare the differences in patient management between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The results showed a decrease in patient presentations, an increase in advanced-stage cases, but no significant impact of hospitalization duration and diagnosis year on cancer progression.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Patricia Hogea, Emanuela Tudorache, Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu, Camelia Pescaru, Diana Manolescu, Felix Bratosin, Ovidiu Rosca, Manaswini Kakarla, Florin George Horhat, Cristian Oancea
Summary: This study compared the bronchial microbiota of lung cancer patients and patients with benign lung diseases undergoing bronchoscopy, and assessed the stress levels associated with invasive diagnostic lung tests. The results showed differences in the presence of common microbial species between the two groups, with higher detection rates of Acinetobacter spp. and Parainfluenza virus in the malignant group. Patients with lung cancer exhibited higher stress levels and more severe anxiety and depression symptoms, which persisted during follow-up.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Vlad Barbos, Bogdan Feciche, Felix Bratosin, Durganjali Tummala, Uday Shree Akkala Shetty, Silviu Latcu, Alexei Croitor, Vlad Dema, Razvan Bardan, Alin Adrian Cumpanas
Summary: This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life and psychosocial well-being of urothelial cancer patients. The findings show a decrease in anxiety and depression levels and an improvement in quality of life as the pandemic progresses. This suggests that the patient cohort has demonstrated adaptive responses and resilience during the challenging times of the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Iulia Bogdan, Akash Reddy Reddyreddy, Aditya Nelluri, Ram Kiran Maganti, Felix Bratosin, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Catalin Dumitru, Paula Irina Barata, Gianina Tapalaga, Iosif Marincu
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal co-infections in severe COVID-19 patients and identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with severe COVID-19. The study found that fungal co-infections were significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in severe COVID-19 patients, especially in patients with drug-resistant infections. Therefore, comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies are necessary in managing COVID-19 patients.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Razvan Mihai Horhat, Bogdan Andrei Bumbu, Laura Orel, Oana Velea-Barta, Laura Cirligeriu, Gratiana Nicoleta Chicin, Marius Pricop, Mircea Rivis, Stefania Dinu, Delia Ioana Horhat, Felix Bratosin, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Rodica Anamaria Negrean, Luminita Maria Nica
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate two sealing materials in vitro and ascertain the clinical outcomes of patients treated with these two sealers in vivo. The results showed that Adseal had better sealing capacity and lower dye penetration in the in vitro study. In the in vivo study, patients treated with Adseal exhibited significant improvements in PAI values, tooth mobility scores, and teeth healing after treatment.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Tamara Mirela Porosnicu, Ioan Ovidiu Sirbu, Cristian Oancea, Dorel Sandesc, Felix Bratosin, Ovidiu Rosca, Daniel Jipa, Estera Boeriu, Satya Sai Sri Bandi, Marius Pricop
Summary: This review analyzed the effects of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) on inflammatory markers in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The results showed that TPE significantly reduced inflammation and improved clinical status and hospitalization duration in these patients.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Iosif Marincu, Felix Bratosin, Iulia Bogdan, Catalin Dumitru, Carmen Nicoleta Stoica, Andrei Nicolae Csep, Narcisa Mederle, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Alexandru Ovidiu Mederle, Reshmanth Prathipati, Gratiana Nicoleta Chicin, Adelina Mavrea, Paula Irina Barata, Adrian Vasile Bota
Summary: This article presents a rare case of meningitis caused by a co-infection with Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical presentation and management of S. paucimobilis meningitis are not well established, and further research is needed. The literature search revealed a small number of reported cases, highlighting the importance of better understanding this rare infection.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Camelia Melania Budea, Marius Pricop, Ion Cristian Mot, Florin George Horhat, Kakarla Hemaswini, Raja Akshay, Rodica Anamaria Negrean, Andrada Licinia Oprisoni, Cosmin Citu, Bogdan Andrei Bumbu, Abduljabar Adi, Ibrahim Khan, Adelina Mavrea, Iulia Bogdan, Adrian Vasile Bota, Roxana Manuela Fericean, Iosif Marincu
Summary: This study assessed the antibiotic resistance and mortality risk of patients with infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It found that Gram-negative IE infections were more deadly and had higher antibiotic resistance rates than Gram-positive IE infections. This highlights the importance of preventing and controlling antibiotic resistance.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Balica Nicolae Constantin, Trandafir Cornelia Marina, Stefanescu Horatiu Eugen, Enatescu Ileana, Gluhovschi Adrian
Summary: This is a case report of a 79-year-old female patient who presented with dysphagia and progressive upper respiratory obstruction. Examination revealed a well-defined tumor in the tongue base, which was diagnosed as ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient underwent transhyoid tumor removal due to her symptoms. Informed consent was obtained according to the 1964 Helsinki declaration.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ana-Olivia Toma, Estera Boeriu, Luminita Decean, Vlad Bloanca, Felix Bratosin, Mihaela Codrina Levai, Neeharika Gayatri Vasamsetti, Satish Alambaram, Andrada Licinia Oprisoni, Bogdan Miutescu, Kakarla Hemaswini, Iulius Juganaru, Andrei-Cristian Bondar, Marius Liviu Moise
Summary: Almost one-third of malignant melanoma patients experience emotional stress, which is often overlooked. Psychological therapies can improve psychosocial outcomes, but awareness and screening methods are lacking in some regions, leading to higher risk of psychological issues. This study aimed to investigate the impact of melanoma awareness on patients' quality of life and coping. Elderly patients had less knowledge and were less likely to use sunscreen or seek medical evaluation, preferring television as the main source of information. Younger adults with melanoma reported more depressive symptoms. It is important to target both the elderly population and informed younger adults for awareness campaigns and psycho-oncological aid.