Population genetic study of eight short tandem repeat loci CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, F13B and LPL in the Western Romanian population.

Allele frequencies for eight tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) loci-CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, F13B, LPL-were obtained from a population sample of 105-122 unrelated individuals born in Transylvania and Banat (Romania).

[The Wermer syndrome]. / Sindromul Wermer.

The difficult diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients having gastrinoma with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I) has been discussed by reference to the literature and a personal experience of 2 patients with Wermer syndrome. The syndrome is often familial and might be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with a high but variable degree of penetrance. Pancreatic islets, parathyroid glands and adenohypophyseal [correction of antehypophyseal] cells are the three localization main for endocrine involvement in MEN I syndrome.

[The Rieger syndrome. A clinical study. A study of 4 generations in one family with the Rieger syndrome]. / Sindromul Rieger. Studiu clinic. Studiu pe patru generatii a unei familii cu sindrom Rieger.

Rieger syndrome is a rare disease with autosomal dominant inheritance (4q25-4q27) characterised by the presence of ocular and extraocular abnormalities. We present a family with Rieger syndrome on four generations, pointing the ocular and extraocular abnormalities. The most frequent complication is secondary glaucoma (50-60% of all cases) and the efficient treatment consists in utilising the betablockers and/or filtering operations with the possibility of antimetabolites help.

[The recovery of visual performance in strabismus with eccentric fixation]. / Recuperarea performantelor vizuale în strabismele cu fixatie excentrica.

The purpose of this work is to realise a general view about the diagnosis, therapeutic methods and the results obtained in eccentric fixation strabismus. We realised a six years retrospective study on 144 eccentric strabismus, watching dynamic the evolution by testing: the orthophoric status, visual acuity, binocular vision and the type of fixation. Medium follow un time was of 19.6 months. In the end of the treatment we notice: visual acuity between 0.1-0.5 in 14% cases; central fixation in 52 children (36%); first degree of binocular vision in 15 children (10.4%) and second degree in 5 cases (3.47%). This study showed that the early installation of eccentric fixation strabismus was in 53% cases before reaching one year old and in 90% before two years old. The functional results was negative influenced by the delay in presentation (42% come after 2 years) and the difficulties in family cooperation (46.5% were followed up lesenban 6 months).

[Posttraumatic optochiasmic arachnoiditis]. / Arahnoidita optochiasmatica posttraumatica.

Optochiasmic arachnoiditis is a complex symptomatological ocular and neuroendocrine disease. We present a 32-years-old patient who was hospitalized in Ophthalmological Clinic from Iasi because a slow visual acuity diminishing, visual field troubles and neurological symptoms which appeared after a cranial contusion. Ophthalmological and neurosurgical exams established "optochiasmic arachnoiditis" diagnosis, which was confirmed peroperator. The exceptional postoperator evolution was, after a while, eclipsed by final functional ocular result.

[Changes in contrast sensitivity in glaucoma patients]. / Alterari ale sensibilitatii la contrast timporal la bolnavii glaucomatosi.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes of temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) in patients with glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We measured TCS (for 10, 20 and 30 Hz frequencies) in 57 eyes with glaucoma using a prototype that produces a red colour flicker stimulus (lambda = 626 nm) projected in the central 320 of the visual field. In all patients measurements were undertaken for the visual acuity and intraocular pressure. Also the optic disc was evaluated (including C/D ratio), as well as the visual field using the 24/2 program of the Humphrey automated perimeter. RESULTS: For all tested frequencies we computed sensitivity and specificity of the test S < 0 as diagnostic tool for glaucoma. The sets of determination with 30 Hz flicker stimulus have a validity score of 83.8%. We also evaluated the correlation curves between the S score, C/D ratio and mean deviation from automated perimetry. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with glaucoma present a significant drop of the S score for all three tested frequencies. The S score positively correlates with mean deviation (MD) and negatively with C/D ratio reflecting thus diffuse alterations of the magnocellular system. The decrease of the S score in the 30 Hz set of data is major and S < 0 as a diagnostic test has very good sensitivity and specificity. S score might be used in screening for glaucoma as well as monitoring progression of the disease (rapid test, low cost, good validity).

[Recurrent unilateral inflammatory exophthalmos]. / Exoftalmie unilaterala inflamatorie recurenta.

The issue discusses the diagnosis difficulties concerning the case of 58-years-old woman who was watched for a recurrent exophthalmos after a mild conjunctival trauma. The debut was orbital cellulite appearance, complicated by a nonaxial exophthalmos due to a dacryoadenitis. The exophthalmos is axial in the other two recurrences. All exophthalmic episodes progressed with inflammatory features associated with optic neuritis and oculomotor nerves implication without any neurological signs. The paraclinical tests (ECHO, orbital radiography, CAT) find inflammation of orbital elements: extrinsic muscles and lacrimal gland. Biochemical tests showed minimal inflammatory changes without be able to provide the positive diagnosis. Initial combined therapy (antibiotics and steroids), then steroid monotherapy had favorable response.

[Functional results in the surgery of congenital cataract]. / Rezultatele functionale în chirurgia cataractei congenitale.

During 1983-1993, 202 patients (a total of 230 eyes), 113 males and 117 females, were operated. From these, 47 selected cases could not be properly followed and the functional results were established only after repeated checking. In these cases, the surgical techniques consisted of 7 cryoextractions, 47 extracapsular extractions and 18 irrigations-aspirations in double stream. 47 lens implants have been introduced, 43 were Fedorov [correction of Fyodorov]-type with pupillary fixation and 4 were posterior chamber implants. The visual acuity was almost the same to both the patients who have benefited from implants and to those corrected with contact lens or glasses.

[Intra- and postoperative use of 5-fluorouracil in the surgical treatment of refractory glaucoma]. / Utilizarea intra si postoperatorie a 5-fluorouracilului în chirurgia glaucoamelor refractare.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the safety and efficiency of various modalities of 5-FU administration in the surgery of refractory glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A prospective, randomized study including 36 patients with refractory glaucoma who received 5-FU in the following protocols: group A (10 patients)--intraoperative application of 50 mg 5-FU, group B (12 patients)--postoperative subconjunctival injections of 5 mg 5-FU, group C (14 patients)--intra and postoperative administration of 5-FU. Mean follow-up interval is 6 months. RESULTS: Last controlled intraocular pressure is lower in C group patients (13.92 mmHg) versus group A and group B patients (< or = 15.7 mmHg). The real therapeutic success rate (intraocular pressure < or = 15 mmHg) and the qualified success rate (intraocular pressure < or = 21 mmHg) are higher in group C (85.7% and 92.8% respectively) as compared with group A and group B (50% and 82% respectively). The rate of side-effects in highest in group B and lowest in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Association of intra and postoperative use of 5-FU in refractory glaucoma increases the rate of therapeutic success and a lower incidence of side-effects.

Study on erythrocyte aggregation using computerized image analysis methods.

AIM: To study the relationship between erythrocyte aggregation and physical parameters: temperature and pH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aggregation was evaluated using computerized image analysis by Aggregate Shape Parameter (ASP), defined as the ratio of the aggregate projected area to its square perimeter, and erythrocyte aggregation index (EAI). EAI was measured and compared at different temperatures (4 degreeC, 20 degreeC, 37 degreeC) and different pH values (3, 5, 7 and 9). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results show that the increase in temperature induces EAI increase and a decrease in Ph, a decrease of erythrocyte aggregation. It was found that, at pH=3 and 5, erythrocytes are destroyed and, at pH=9 RBC clusters are formed. CONCLUSIONS: RBC aggregate shape reflects intercellular interaction and its quantification may thus be another characteristic of RBC aggregation. Increased RBC aggregation was observed in various pathological states, such as diabetes and myocardial infarction, or following trauma.

[Membrane fluidity--biophysical parameter in relation to membrane transport processes]. / Fluiditatea membranara--parametru biofizic in relatie cu procesele de transport membranare.

Membrane fluidity is a complex parameter, influenced both through some biophysical (temperature, electrical charges, pH) and biochemical factors (protein/phospholipids ratio, phospholipids/cholesterol ratio, degree of fatty acids unsaturation). It is a parameter that reflects the main membrane characteristic organization (gel or liquid crystal structure). Experiments provide consistent data about membrane fluidity relations to various cellular processes, especially membrane processes. Passive transport is influenced directly by membrane lipid composition, and consequently, membrane fluidity, or by channels and carriers molecules interactions with adjacent membrane lipids. Membrane diffusion is related both to the hydrophobic nature of the particles and of the membrane environment. Depending on the mode of interaction with membrane proteins, lipids may be classified as non-annular lipids, annular and "mass" lipids. Different types of fatty acids affect the function of many channels, by stimulating or inhibiting them. These effects might be mediated through direct binding of the lipids to the channel or through indirect hydrophobic interactions. Active transport pumps conformation could be modulated, also, through interactions with adjacent lipids of the bilayer (especially cholesterol) and membrane micro-domains organization. In conclusion, membrane fluidity is close related both to passive and active transport.

[Assessment of some biophysical parameters of human erythrocyte by FT-IR spectroscopy--preliminary study]. / Evaluarea unor parametri biofizici ai eritrocitului uman prin spectroscopie FT-IR--studiu preliminar.

UNLABELLED: Based on the biochemical composition of erythrocyte membrane and asymmetric distribution of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol, FT-IR spectroscopy can monitor the distribution and interaction pattern of membrane constituents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study series included 21 clinically healthy subjects aged between 20 and 60 years. Complete blood counts were performed and the serum biochemical compounds (cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, glucose) were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The parameters that can be assessed by erythrocyte FT-IR in relation with the biochemical factors that may influence membrane fluidity are: degree of fatty acids unsaturation, saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids ratio, cholesterol/phospholipids ratio, and phospholipids/protein ratio. Based on the obtained results, in the assessment of membrane status the following vibration modes were selected as spectral parameters: vibration associated valence bond (=CH), asymmetric valence CH2 groups, modes associated with P=O bond and amine bands I and II specific for proteins. Other parameters, such as v(C-O) specific to glucose, may provide additional information on glucose metabolic status. CONCLUSIONS: By correlating biochemical markers with these spectral parameters information on red cell membrane status, status that may reflect different pathological processes, can be obtained.

[PSA as a marker for prostate cancer progression]. / PSA CA marker in evolutia cancerului de prostata.

Monitoring the evolution of prostate cancer has crucial importance since this tip of neoplasia has a variable biology, ranging from latent cancers to extremely aggressive tumors. At the moment, PSA (prostate specific antigen) values point out to either successful or unsuccessful prostate cancer therapy. Depending on therapeutic strategies, biochemical recurrence (BCR) is differently defined. After radical prostatectomy, the PSA declines to undetectable levels in 3-4 weeks; BCR: PSA = 0.2-0.5 ng/mL for a single measurement or two consecutive values which surpass 0,2-0,4 ng/mL. PSADT < 10 months is a predictor for the progression of the disease. After external beam therapy, PSA is slowly decreasing reaching up the nadir of 0.2-0.5 ng/mL in months or years; BCR: PSA = nadir + 2 ng/mL. In the case of brachytherapy, the nadir is reached in 2-4 years; BCR: nadir + 2 ng/mL. After hormonal therapy, PSA declines in 3-6 months, maintains low values for 18-24 months, then increases, settling for hormone independency. After chemotherapy, PSA is considered normal at values < 2 ng/mL; the response of PSA represents a confirmed decreasing from the second test at 4 or more weeks after the initial decline; the length of the response is the period between first decline with 50 % of PSA to 50 % increase from nadir; the progression of PSA is shown in the increase with 25 % in comparison to the basic level. In the case of active monitoring, a PSADT < 2 years is an indication for radical prostatectomy, but there are cancers which can evoluate despite a stable PSA. The "PSA bounce" phenomenon and the "PSA surge postchimiotherapie" syndrome can complicate the assessment of biochemical recurrence.

[Unique monoblock lung right-left, unique pleural cavity]. / Plamân monobloc dreapta-stânga. Cavitate pleurala unica. Plamîn hipoplazic stâng. Caz clinic.

A 34-year-old female with WPW syndrome has been under surgical treatment in our clinic with left basal chronic pleural empyema. During the surgical intervention multiple anatomical anomalies were detected, like unique pleural cavity, monoblock lung left-right, hypoplasic left lung, no scissures on the left side, no left pulmonary arteria with an aberrant arteria for the left lung derived from the right pulmonary arteria, the same for the bronchis. The pleural-pulmonary shelling proceeded without incidents and it has been finalized with the drainage of the whole pleural cavity.

[Studying erythrocyte deformation by optical methods]. / Studiul deformabilitatii eritrocitare prin metode optice.

UNLABELLED: Erythrocyte deformation is an important factor of the microcirculation in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Deformability was evaluated through the elongation index (IE) using two instruments based on optical methods: LORCA and RHEODYN-SSD. RESULTS: The elongation index (IE) was compared for normal red blood cell (RBC) and heated RBC at 49 degrees C for 9, 30, 60 minutes duration. Erythrocyte deformability was measured for RBC treated with diamide (two concentrations), too. The results show that the increase of the diamide concentration induces the increase of the rigidity and a decreased deformability through the decreased IE. The elongation index was found decreasing as long as the time of heating is bigger, the RBC becoming more rigid.

[Thermal and structural properties of nano- and micro-filled composites]. / Proprietati termice si structurale ale unor compozite dentare cu nano- si micro-filler.

The thermal and structural properties of nano-filled and micro-filled restorative composites (Filtek Supreme XT and Filtek Z250) are studied in comparison with the ones of teeth. Our results show slightly decreased values of the thermal constants of Filtek Supreme XT with respect of Filtek Z250. Both analyzed composite materials have the values of the thermal conductivity and diffusivity very close to the one of enamel, with the better fitting in the case of Filtek Supreme XT. Comparing the effusivities, a good compatibility with all dental tissues resulted. The thermal expansion coefficient is about two times higher for Filtek Supreme XT than Filtek Z250 which fits better with the one of teeth. The chemical composition is similar for both composites except for zirconium which indicate a lower percent of zirconia particle for Filtek Supreme XT.

[Parathyroid glands involvement in multiple endocrine neoplasia]. / Interesarea paratiroidelor in neoplaziile endocrine multiple.

UNLABELLED: Multiple endocrine neoplasias are syndromes characterized by the involvement of at least two endocrine glands. Parathyroid gland involvement is usually noted in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type I and type II. Parathyroid glands tumor associated with endocrine pancreatic tumor, as well as pituitary tumors is the typical pattern of MEN I. The parathyroid gland is the most frequent abnormality in MEN I. CASES REPORTS: We presented five cases with MEN I and parathyroid glands involvement. In three cases with young ages (28-33 years old) and familial setting, the MEN I syndrome was "complete" (parathyroid adenoma, gastrinoma or insulinoma and pituitary adenoma--prolactinoma or GH-secreting tumors), and, in the other two cases, with 57 and 68 years old respectively, the MEN I syndrome was "incomplete" with parathyroid glands and pituitary gland involvement. The cases with gastrinomas were operated in emergency for complication of peptic ulcer (perforation associated with peritonitis and gastro-intestinal bleeding); then the pancreatic tumors were diagnosed and left pancreatectomy with spleen preservation and respectively, tumor resection have been performed. Hyperparathyrodism was then diagnosed and subtotal parathyroidectomy has been performed in both cases. Unfortunately one patients died due to severe endocrine disorder. During the necropsy, the pituitary adenoma has been diagnosed. The third case with "complete" MEN was a women of 33 years old, admitted for severe hypoglycemia. The imagistic and laboratory test diagnosed a tumor situated into the pancreatic body, and an parathyroid adenoma. The resection of pancreatic tumor associated with resection of the parathyroid adenoma, in the same time, were performed. The other two cases with "incomplete" MEN were older then the first patients, and were diagnosed with hyperparathyrodism and pituitary gland tumor. The resection of parathyroid gland adenoma has been performed in both cases, with uneventful postoperative course. The literature data was also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The parathyroid glands involvement in MEN is common. There are two kinds of MEN associated with parathyroid gland involvement: the "complete" form, especially in young patients, with diffuse involvement of the parathyroid glands, and the subtotal parathyroidy is the best choice, and the "incomplete" form, especially in elderly, with the involvement of a single parathyroid gland; in this way, the resection of the adenoma associated with biopsy from the other parathyroid gland is the best approach. The presence of gastrinomas, complicate the disease prognosis and the surgical approach. The treatment of these patients is challenging and has to be done in multidisciplinary team.

[German influences on Romanian medical terminology]. / Influente germane asupra terminologiei medicale Românesti.

The medical terminology plays a key part both in the study of medicine as well as in its practice. Moreover, understanding the medical terms is important not only for the doctor but also for the patients who want to learn more about their condition. For these reasons we believe that the study of medical terminology is one of great interest. The aim of our paper was to evaluate the German linguistic and medical influences on the evolution of the Romanian medical terminology. Since the Romanian-German cultural contacts date back to the 12th century we had reasons to believe that the number of German medical words in Romanian would be significant. To our surprise, the Romanian language has very few German words and even less medical terms of German origin. However, when we searched the list of diseases coined after famous medical personalities, we found out that 26 % of them bore the names of German doctors and scientists. Taken together this proves that the German medical school played an important role on the evolution of Romanian medicine despite the fact that the Romanian vocabulary was slightly influenced by the German language. We explain this fact on the structural differences between the Romanian and German languages, which make it hard for German loans to be integrated in the Romanian lexis. In conclusion we state that the German influence on the Romanian medical terminology is weak despite the important contribution of the German medical school to the development of medical education and healthcare in Romania. Key