Introduction A quarter of patients with involuntary weight loss (IWL) have cancer. Inflammation a... more Introduction A quarter of patients with involuntary weight loss (IWL) have cancer. Inflammation and anemia are associated with cancer, and recent studies showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a predictor of mortality, including cancer-related death. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of routine hematological and inflammation parameters to diagnose cancer in patients with IWL. Materials and Methods A total of 253 consecutive patients with IWL admitted in a secondary care university hospital were included. Routine hematological and inflammatory parameters (hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, RDW, serum iron level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and ferritin level) were recorded for all patients. The investigative workup was not standardized, but the patients were followed up for 6 months to avoid misclassification concerning the final diagnosis. Results All parameters, excepting mean cellular volume, were statistically as...
Background and aim. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common events in medical practice, represen... more Background and aim. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common events in medical practice, representing a matter of concern for both outpatient and in hospital care. Understanding and management of ADRs depend on their mechanism and clinical picture, which are complex and highly heterogeneous. Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are immunologically-mediated ADRs, which are considered allergies after demonstrating evidence of either drug-specific antibodies or T-cells. The correct diagnosis of a drug allergy in hospital setting is essential for the outcome of treated disease and for the patient future in terms of therapeutic needs. Patients may be labeled as being drug allergic, based on their history and vague symptoms that do not correspond to a true allergic reaction. The aim of our study was to evaluate consequences of drug allergy labelling of female patients hospitalized in the department of obstetrics and gynecology from a university hospital during one year, in terms of medi...
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) represent an important group of pharmacological ... more Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) represent an important group of pharmacological compounds, largely prescribed for more than 30 years. They have been extensively evaluated in clinical trials, demonstrating significant reduction of morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases, mainly high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. Besides their beneficial effects and a general good safety profile, it was proven that ACEIs might also induce adverse effects in some patients, most notably angioedema (AE) and chronic cough. The occurrence rate of adverse events induced by ACEIs is low, but the number of suffering patients is relatively high, since ACEIs is one of the most frequently prescribed medication worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical pattern, risk factors and general management of ACEI-induced angioedema in a cohort of patients addressed for allergist evaluation in one university hospital in Romania, during a period of 32 months. It was found that ACEI-induced angioedema (ACEI-AE) represented more than half of the total number of patients addressed for angioedema without urticaria, with variable clinical and time-patterns. Most of the patients were referred by general practitioners (GPs) with diagnosis of urticaria or other skin allergy and continued to take ACEIs for months and years after onset of angioedema. We concluded that the awareness of acquired, non-allergic angioedema induced by ACEI therapy in medical practice is still low and there is a need for improved knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.
Modèle clinique et facteurs de risque des allergies respiratoires dues au pollen de l'Ambroisie: ... more Modèle clinique et facteurs de risque des allergies respiratoires dues au pollen de l'Ambroisie: expérience d'un Centre d'Allergologie de Bucarest Introduction. Ambrosia artemisiifolia est une plante envahissante qui peut se développer rapidement dans de nombreux environnements perturbés et dont le pollen hautement allergène semble constituer un problème de santé publique majeur. Il est maintenant reconnu que l'ambroisie contribue de manière significative à l'augmentation du risque de pollution de l'air et de maladies respiratoires en milieu urbain. Le but de notre étude était d'évaluer les aspects cliniques et les facteurs de risque des patients chez qui on a diagnostiqué des allergies respiratoires à cause du pollen d'Ambroisie et qui ont été adressés à notre centre d'allergologie de Bucarest, Roumanie. Matériel et méthode. Nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective basée sur les dossiers des patients allergiques au pollen d'Ambroisie confirmés pendant une période de 33 mois, de Janvier 2017 à Octobre 2019.
Background: Angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH-AAE) is a rare disease ... more Background: Angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH-AAE) is a rare disease sharing some clinical and laboratory similarities with hereditary angioedema, but with late onset and no positive family history. The underlining cause may be malignant or due to autoimmune diseases, but some cases remain idiopathic. Case presentation: We report a case of a 75 year old woman suffering from recurrent episodes of angioedema since the age of 66, considered first induced by treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). She continued to have angioedema attacks during 6 years after discontinuation of ACEI, until evaluation in our clinic in 2014, when C1 inhibitor esterase (C1-INH) deficiency was confirmed. The extended medical evaluation for inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and neoplasic diseases was negative. C1-INH and complement fraction C4 plasma levels were significantly decreased at all measurements, but no diagnostic criteria for diseases known to induce C1-INH deficiency could be found. We first initiated daily prophylactic treatment with tranexamic acid, with no amelioration after 3 months. During the last and most severe attack, with the first facial and laryngeal edema, we have switched to attenuated androgen danazol. The evolution was very good, with prompt remission of angioedema and significant increase of C1-INH and C4 plasma levels after 2 weeks of daily danazol use. She completed 3 years of continuous treatment with low daily maintenance dose of danazol (ongoing), with no angioedema attack. We closely monitored C1-INH and C4 plasma levels, possible danazol side effects and any signs suggesting late onset of C1-INH deficiency causal disease. Conclusion: We reported a particular case of rare angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor, which has no clear cause after long follow-up, but good response to attenuated androgen. We concluded that the awareness of angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency should be increased within medical community and therapeutic options should be more clearly indicated and available for all diagnosed cases.
Introduction. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic plants pollen represent an important pu... more Introduction. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic plants pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity. Aerobiologic study of allergenic pollens is performed in many countries on regular basis and correlated with health data from allergists in the frame of national aerobiology networks. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done between 1999-2012 in West region only. In the frame of COST Action called Sustainable management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe (SMARTER FA 1203), three years collaboration with Reseau National de Surveillance Aerobiologique (RNSA) from France and the first pollen monitoring center in Bucharest were established.The aim of this paper is to present results of first pollen monitoring in Bucharest, activities of Romanian SMARTER group and collaboration with European aerobiology specialists. Material and method. We used a Hirst-type pollen trap placed on the roof of the Res...
Eosinophils are innate immune leukocytes recruited in large numbers to sites of allergic inflamma... more Eosinophils are innate immune leukocytes recruited in large numbers to sites of allergic inflammation and parasitic infections. Recent studies show additional pleiotropic effects of recruited eosinophils impacting immunomodulation, tissue homeostasis and repair. Pathologic conditions accompanied by blood eosinophilia are quite frequent in medical practice and may raise serious differential diagnosis problems in severe cases, that require a multidisciplinary approach. Hypereosinophilia may be reactive to other diseases or primary, representing hypereosinophilic syndromes, that are diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory criteria, according to actual international guidelines. The etiopathogenic diagnosis is difficult and delayed in many cases and clinical evolution may be severe, with multiorgan involvement and poor prognosis. Some cases remain idiopathic, despite exhaustive investigation. This paper aims to review the most recent data in the literature referring to the role of eos...
Introduction: Recent data from literature have shown many difficulties in managing allergic disea... more Introduction: Recent data from literature have shown many difficulties in managing allergic diseases in primary care in most countries and a consequently clear need for standardized educational programmes. Drug allergies represent an important medical issue for general practitioners (GPs) in Romania, though no national data about incidence, severity and management exist.The aim of our study was to evaluate epidemiological aspects of drug allergies in primary care practice in Bucharest, especially the diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes of family doctors and their need for education and training in this field of pathology. Findings: A questionnaire with 21specific questions was addressed to 800 family doctors from Bucharest, either directly or via internet, with a response rate of 31,87%. The answers showed a significant interest of GPs in drug allergies, which are considered an increasing pathology. Almost half of the responders had never attended any form of education in allergology and 96% expressed a clear interest to participate in specialized educational programmes. We have noticed an underestimation of the severity of drug allergy, a surprisingly high percentage of allergy skin tests or blood tests recommended by GPs without specialist advice, and persistant confidence in alternative medicine. Conclusions: We concluded that the attitude towards and the competence regarding drug allergies of GPs in this study, as well as their collaboration with allergists, are not standardized and updated according to current guidelines. Further educational programs for GPs in drug allergies, based on standardized guidelines and national epidemiological studies for evaluation of drug allergy-related morbidity and mortality are needed.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is an invasive weed with rapid spread during the last de... more Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is an invasive weed with rapid spread during the last decades in many European countries, representing an important problem for the environment and for public health, due to its highly allergenic pollen. Data from the European Aeroallergen Network (EAN) confirm the continuous increase of infested areas and of the atmospheric ragweed pollen load. A. artemisiifolia is responsible for significant health and economic impact in the most infested areas from Central Europe, mainly Hungary and neighboring countries, including Romania. Despite generally occurring in dry and abandoned fields, along railways and roadsides, Ambrosia is now recognized as part of urban vegetation in some big cities, contributing to increased risk of air pollution and of respiratory diseases. The aim of our paper is to review the data regarding spread and problematic of Ambrosia in some big cities of Romania, mainly the capital and the actual public activities undertaken to reduce its consequences. Our data showed that Ambrosia is a real and increasing danger for human health in Romania, mainly due to its rapid spread in urban environment and increasing number of affected persons. There is an urgent need for more coordinated efforts and sustainable management of this problem, to reduce impact of Ambrosia in urban environment, to establish a national aerobiology network and to continue collaboration with European institutions and specialists in this field.
Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an import... more Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done for about ten years in the west region only. Materials and Methods: We established the first pollen monitoring center in the capital of Bucharest in 2013, based on collaboration with the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) from France. The aim of our paper is to present results from five years of pollen monitoring in the city center of Bucharest and preliminary data on distribution and health impact of some allergenic plants, mainly Ambrosia artemisiifolia, which is considered a real danger for the public health. Results: Our data show a significant atmospheric amount and a longer season than previously considered of grass (Gramineae) pollen and short period with a high level of Ambrosia pollen, while tree pollen looks le...
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 may be associated with involunt... more Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 may be associated with involuntary weight loss in patients with and without cancer. However, results of previous studies have been conflicting. We evaluated patients who had involuntary weight loss to determine cytokine levels and the correlation of these cytokines with weight loss, the association with inflammation, and the potential for use in cancer diagnosis. In 290 consecutive patients with involuntary weight loss (74 patients [26%] with cancer and 216 patients [74%] without cancer), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum levels of C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined. Higher ESR and levels of C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were associated with cancer. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 did not correlate with the amount of weight loss. In multivariable analysis, only ESR was associated with cancer. In patients with involuntary weight loss, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were associated with cancer but were not weight loss mediators.
The aim of the study was to test the fluticasone propionate (FP) efficacy in the treatment of pat... more The aim of the study was to test the fluticasone propionate (FP) efficacy in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma (BA), not controlled by high doses (more than 1 mg) of other inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma symptoms (degree of dyspnea on Sadoul scale, percentage of symptom-free days and nights), and drug consumption were measured and lung function tests were performed in 20 patients (11 women and 9 men, mean age 47 years) for a 2 months period. Biochemical measurements were done referring to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, which is characteristic to inflammatory diseases of respiratory system. We evaluated lipoperoxidation (LPO) in the plasma and the blood, before and after FP treatment, by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) status, superoxide-dismutase and ceruloplasmine activity and non-protein SH groups (essential glutathione) status. The biochemical measurements showed a significant decrease in lipid peroxides level in the plasma and the blood and a slight increase of g...
Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are ... more Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are now receiving greater attention in the medical practice. Flutter-VRP1 Desitin is a new pocket-sized personal therapeutic device used in the adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases characterized by different degrees of bronchial obstruction, mainly due to disturbances of bronchial clearance and mucostasis. Used in a group of 20 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in whom the clinical and functional parameters were determined before and after regular use of the device for periods varying between two and eight weeks. The Flutter-VRP1 proved as a very promising technique, which can significantly ameliorate the evolution of chronic obstructive bronchitis, especially in the cases with mild to moderate deterioration.
Due to rapidly spreading infectious diseases and the high incidence of other diseases such as can... more Due to rapidly spreading infectious diseases and the high incidence of other diseases such as cancer or metabolic syndrome, there is a continuous need for the development of rapid and accurate diagnosis methods. Screen-printed electrodes-based biosensors have been reported to offer reliable results, with high sensitivity and selectivity and, in some cases, low detection limits. There are a series of materials (carbon, gold, platinum, etc.) used for the manufacturing of working electrodes. Each version comes with advantages, as well as challenges for their functionalization. Thus, the aim is to review the most promising biosensors developed using screen-printed electrodes for the detection/quantification of proteins, biomarkers, or pathogenic microorganisms.
Romanian journal of internal medicine = Revue roumaine de medecine interne, 1994
Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are ... more Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are now receiving greater attention in the medical practice. Flutter-VRP1 Desitin is a new pocket-sized personal therapeutic device used in the adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases characterized by different degrees of bronchial obstruction, mainly due to disturbances of bronchial clearance and mucostasis. Used in a group of 20 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in whom the clinical and functional parameters were determined before and after regular use of the device for periods varying between two and eight weeks. The Flutter-VRP1 proved as a very promising technique, which can significantly ameliorate the evolution of chronic obstructive bronchitis, especially in the cases with mild to moderate deterioration.
Introduction A quarter of patients with involuntary weight loss (IWL) have cancer. Inflammation a... more Introduction A quarter of patients with involuntary weight loss (IWL) have cancer. Inflammation and anemia are associated with cancer, and recent studies showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a predictor of mortality, including cancer-related death. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of routine hematological and inflammation parameters to diagnose cancer in patients with IWL. Materials and Methods A total of 253 consecutive patients with IWL admitted in a secondary care university hospital were included. Routine hematological and inflammatory parameters (hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, RDW, serum iron level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and ferritin level) were recorded for all patients. The investigative workup was not standardized, but the patients were followed up for 6 months to avoid misclassification concerning the final diagnosis. Results All parameters, excepting mean cellular volume, were statistically as...
Background and aim. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common events in medical practice, represen... more Background and aim. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common events in medical practice, representing a matter of concern for both outpatient and in hospital care. Understanding and management of ADRs depend on their mechanism and clinical picture, which are complex and highly heterogeneous. Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are immunologically-mediated ADRs, which are considered allergies after demonstrating evidence of either drug-specific antibodies or T-cells. The correct diagnosis of a drug allergy in hospital setting is essential for the outcome of treated disease and for the patient future in terms of therapeutic needs. Patients may be labeled as being drug allergic, based on their history and vague symptoms that do not correspond to a true allergic reaction. The aim of our study was to evaluate consequences of drug allergy labelling of female patients hospitalized in the department of obstetrics and gynecology from a university hospital during one year, in terms of medi...
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) represent an important group of pharmacological ... more Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) represent an important group of pharmacological compounds, largely prescribed for more than 30 years. They have been extensively evaluated in clinical trials, demonstrating significant reduction of morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular diseases, mainly high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. Besides their beneficial effects and a general good safety profile, it was proven that ACEIs might also induce adverse effects in some patients, most notably angioedema (AE) and chronic cough. The occurrence rate of adverse events induced by ACEIs is low, but the number of suffering patients is relatively high, since ACEIs is one of the most frequently prescribed medication worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical pattern, risk factors and general management of ACEI-induced angioedema in a cohort of patients addressed for allergist evaluation in one university hospital in Romania, during a period of 32 months. It was found that ACEI-induced angioedema (ACEI-AE) represented more than half of the total number of patients addressed for angioedema without urticaria, with variable clinical and time-patterns. Most of the patients were referred by general practitioners (GPs) with diagnosis of urticaria or other skin allergy and continued to take ACEIs for months and years after onset of angioedema. We concluded that the awareness of acquired, non-allergic angioedema induced by ACEI therapy in medical practice is still low and there is a need for improved knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.
Modèle clinique et facteurs de risque des allergies respiratoires dues au pollen de l'Ambroisie: ... more Modèle clinique et facteurs de risque des allergies respiratoires dues au pollen de l'Ambroisie: expérience d'un Centre d'Allergologie de Bucarest Introduction. Ambrosia artemisiifolia est une plante envahissante qui peut se développer rapidement dans de nombreux environnements perturbés et dont le pollen hautement allergène semble constituer un problème de santé publique majeur. Il est maintenant reconnu que l'ambroisie contribue de manière significative à l'augmentation du risque de pollution de l'air et de maladies respiratoires en milieu urbain. Le but de notre étude était d'évaluer les aspects cliniques et les facteurs de risque des patients chez qui on a diagnostiqué des allergies respiratoires à cause du pollen d'Ambroisie et qui ont été adressés à notre centre d'allergologie de Bucarest, Roumanie. Matériel et méthode. Nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective basée sur les dossiers des patients allergiques au pollen d'Ambroisie confirmés pendant une période de 33 mois, de Janvier 2017 à Octobre 2019.
Background: Angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH-AAE) is a rare disease ... more Background: Angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH-AAE) is a rare disease sharing some clinical and laboratory similarities with hereditary angioedema, but with late onset and no positive family history. The underlining cause may be malignant or due to autoimmune diseases, but some cases remain idiopathic. Case presentation: We report a case of a 75 year old woman suffering from recurrent episodes of angioedema since the age of 66, considered first induced by treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). She continued to have angioedema attacks during 6 years after discontinuation of ACEI, until evaluation in our clinic in 2014, when C1 inhibitor esterase (C1-INH) deficiency was confirmed. The extended medical evaluation for inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and neoplasic diseases was negative. C1-INH and complement fraction C4 plasma levels were significantly decreased at all measurements, but no diagnostic criteria for diseases known to induce C1-INH deficiency could be found. We first initiated daily prophylactic treatment with tranexamic acid, with no amelioration after 3 months. During the last and most severe attack, with the first facial and laryngeal edema, we have switched to attenuated androgen danazol. The evolution was very good, with prompt remission of angioedema and significant increase of C1-INH and C4 plasma levels after 2 weeks of daily danazol use. She completed 3 years of continuous treatment with low daily maintenance dose of danazol (ongoing), with no angioedema attack. We closely monitored C1-INH and C4 plasma levels, possible danazol side effects and any signs suggesting late onset of C1-INH deficiency causal disease. Conclusion: We reported a particular case of rare angioedema due to acquired deficiency of C1-inhibitor, which has no clear cause after long follow-up, but good response to attenuated androgen. We concluded that the awareness of angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency should be increased within medical community and therapeutic options should be more clearly indicated and available for all diagnosed cases.
Introduction. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic plants pollen represent an important pu... more Introduction. Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic plants pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity. Aerobiologic study of allergenic pollens is performed in many countries on regular basis and correlated with health data from allergists in the frame of national aerobiology networks. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done between 1999-2012 in West region only. In the frame of COST Action called Sustainable management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe (SMARTER FA 1203), three years collaboration with Reseau National de Surveillance Aerobiologique (RNSA) from France and the first pollen monitoring center in Bucharest were established.The aim of this paper is to present results of first pollen monitoring in Bucharest, activities of Romanian SMARTER group and collaboration with European aerobiology specialists. Material and method. We used a Hirst-type pollen trap placed on the roof of the Res...
Eosinophils are innate immune leukocytes recruited in large numbers to sites of allergic inflamma... more Eosinophils are innate immune leukocytes recruited in large numbers to sites of allergic inflammation and parasitic infections. Recent studies show additional pleiotropic effects of recruited eosinophils impacting immunomodulation, tissue homeostasis and repair. Pathologic conditions accompanied by blood eosinophilia are quite frequent in medical practice and may raise serious differential diagnosis problems in severe cases, that require a multidisciplinary approach. Hypereosinophilia may be reactive to other diseases or primary, representing hypereosinophilic syndromes, that are diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory criteria, according to actual international guidelines. The etiopathogenic diagnosis is difficult and delayed in many cases and clinical evolution may be severe, with multiorgan involvement and poor prognosis. Some cases remain idiopathic, despite exhaustive investigation. This paper aims to review the most recent data in the literature referring to the role of eos...
Introduction: Recent data from literature have shown many difficulties in managing allergic disea... more Introduction: Recent data from literature have shown many difficulties in managing allergic diseases in primary care in most countries and a consequently clear need for standardized educational programmes. Drug allergies represent an important medical issue for general practitioners (GPs) in Romania, though no national data about incidence, severity and management exist.The aim of our study was to evaluate epidemiological aspects of drug allergies in primary care practice in Bucharest, especially the diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes of family doctors and their need for education and training in this field of pathology. Findings: A questionnaire with 21specific questions was addressed to 800 family doctors from Bucharest, either directly or via internet, with a response rate of 31,87%. The answers showed a significant interest of GPs in drug allergies, which are considered an increasing pathology. Almost half of the responders had never attended any form of education in allergology and 96% expressed a clear interest to participate in specialized educational programmes. We have noticed an underestimation of the severity of drug allergy, a surprisingly high percentage of allergy skin tests or blood tests recommended by GPs without specialist advice, and persistant confidence in alternative medicine. Conclusions: We concluded that the attitude towards and the competence regarding drug allergies of GPs in this study, as well as their collaboration with allergists, are not standardized and updated according to current guidelines. Further educational programs for GPs in drug allergies, based on standardized guidelines and national epidemiological studies for evaluation of drug allergy-related morbidity and mortality are needed.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is an invasive weed with rapid spread during the last de... more Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed) is an invasive weed with rapid spread during the last decades in many European countries, representing an important problem for the environment and for public health, due to its highly allergenic pollen. Data from the European Aeroallergen Network (EAN) confirm the continuous increase of infested areas and of the atmospheric ragweed pollen load. A. artemisiifolia is responsible for significant health and economic impact in the most infested areas from Central Europe, mainly Hungary and neighboring countries, including Romania. Despite generally occurring in dry and abandoned fields, along railways and roadsides, Ambrosia is now recognized as part of urban vegetation in some big cities, contributing to increased risk of air pollution and of respiratory diseases. The aim of our paper is to review the data regarding spread and problematic of Ambrosia in some big cities of Romania, mainly the capital and the actual public activities undertaken to reduce its consequences. Our data showed that Ambrosia is a real and increasing danger for human health in Romania, mainly due to its rapid spread in urban environment and increasing number of affected persons. There is an urgent need for more coordinated efforts and sustainable management of this problem, to reduce impact of Ambrosia in urban environment, to establish a national aerobiology network and to continue collaboration with European institutions and specialists in this field.
Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an import... more Background and objectives: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity in Europe. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done for about ten years in the west region only. Materials and Methods: We established the first pollen monitoring center in the capital of Bucharest in 2013, based on collaboration with the Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) from France. The aim of our paper is to present results from five years of pollen monitoring in the city center of Bucharest and preliminary data on distribution and health impact of some allergenic plants, mainly Ambrosia artemisiifolia, which is considered a real danger for the public health. Results: Our data show a significant atmospheric amount and a longer season than previously considered of grass (Gramineae) pollen and short period with a high level of Ambrosia pollen, while tree pollen looks le...
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 may be associated with involunt... more Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 may be associated with involuntary weight loss in patients with and without cancer. However, results of previous studies have been conflicting. We evaluated patients who had involuntary weight loss to determine cytokine levels and the correlation of these cytokines with weight loss, the association with inflammation, and the potential for use in cancer diagnosis. In 290 consecutive patients with involuntary weight loss (74 patients [26%] with cancer and 216 patients [74%] without cancer), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum levels of C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined. Higher ESR and levels of C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were associated with cancer. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 did not correlate with the amount of weight loss. In multivariable analysis, only ESR was associated with cancer. In patients with involuntary weight loss, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were associated with cancer but were not weight loss mediators.
The aim of the study was to test the fluticasone propionate (FP) efficacy in the treatment of pat... more The aim of the study was to test the fluticasone propionate (FP) efficacy in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma (BA), not controlled by high doses (more than 1 mg) of other inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma symptoms (degree of dyspnea on Sadoul scale, percentage of symptom-free days and nights), and drug consumption were measured and lung function tests were performed in 20 patients (11 women and 9 men, mean age 47 years) for a 2 months period. Biochemical measurements were done referring to oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, which is characteristic to inflammatory diseases of respiratory system. We evaluated lipoperoxidation (LPO) in the plasma and the blood, before and after FP treatment, by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) status, superoxide-dismutase and ceruloplasmine activity and non-protein SH groups (essential glutathione) status. The biochemical measurements showed a significant decrease in lipid peroxides level in the plasma and the blood and a slight increase of g...
Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are ... more Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are now receiving greater attention in the medical practice. Flutter-VRP1 Desitin is a new pocket-sized personal therapeutic device used in the adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases characterized by different degrees of bronchial obstruction, mainly due to disturbances of bronchial clearance and mucostasis. Used in a group of 20 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in whom the clinical and functional parameters were determined before and after regular use of the device for periods varying between two and eight weeks. The Flutter-VRP1 proved as a very promising technique, which can significantly ameliorate the evolution of chronic obstructive bronchitis, especially in the cases with mild to moderate deterioration.
Due to rapidly spreading infectious diseases and the high incidence of other diseases such as can... more Due to rapidly spreading infectious diseases and the high incidence of other diseases such as cancer or metabolic syndrome, there is a continuous need for the development of rapid and accurate diagnosis methods. Screen-printed electrodes-based biosensors have been reported to offer reliable results, with high sensitivity and selectivity and, in some cases, low detection limits. There are a series of materials (carbon, gold, platinum, etc.) used for the manufacturing of working electrodes. Each version comes with advantages, as well as challenges for their functionalization. Thus, the aim is to review the most promising biosensors developed using screen-printed electrodes for the detection/quantification of proteins, biomarkers, or pathogenic microorganisms.
Romanian journal of internal medicine = Revue roumaine de medecine interne, 1994
Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are ... more Techniques and therapies intended to assist in the removal of excessive mucus from the lungs are now receiving greater attention in the medical practice. Flutter-VRP1 Desitin is a new pocket-sized personal therapeutic device used in the adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases characterized by different degrees of bronchial obstruction, mainly due to disturbances of bronchial clearance and mucostasis. Used in a group of 20 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis in whom the clinical and functional parameters were determined before and after regular use of the device for periods varying between two and eight weeks. The Flutter-VRP1 proved as a very promising technique, which can significantly ameliorate the evolution of chronic obstructive bronchitis, especially in the cases with mild to moderate deterioration.
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