Status of Healthy Choices, Attitudes and Health Education of Children and Young People in Romania-A Literature Review.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the health status and factors influencing healthy choices among children and young people in Romania, as well as the efficacy of related health education programs. Through understanding these dynamics, the study seeks to provide insights that can shape targeted interventions, policies, and educational strategies to improve this demographic's overall health and well-being. Materials and Methods: For this study, we performed a literature review of original published papers on the health status, healthy habits, health education, predisposition to making healthy choices in the future, and accessibility to the paediatric health system of Romanian children and young people, as well as the effects of different types of educational interventions on this demographic in Romania. Results: The prevalence of dental caries is high in Romania. In terms of eating habits and nutritional status, a worrying proportion of children are overweight or obese, which can lead to a variety of future physical and psychological problems. In terms of physical activity, few adolescents demonstrate regular fitness practices. Romania presents an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents. The mental health of students has become a pressing public health concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social networks is linked to mental health issues among young people. Romania still has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases and faces a high incidence of cervical cancer, with a mortality rate three times higher than the EU average. High rates of teenage pregnancies are linked to limited information about sexuality and a lack of access to family planning at a young age. There are large discrepancies in the accessibility of medical services between urban and rural areas. Conclusions: Romania faces significant obstacles to providing high-quality healthcare to children and young people. Improving nutrition, immunisation rates, and access to medical services represent essential areas for enhancing the health of children and young people in Romania.

Antibacterial Aloe vera Based Biocompatible Hydrogel for Use in Dermatological Applications.

The present research aims to describe a new methodology to obtain biocompatible hydrogels based on Aloe vera used for wound healing applications. The properties of two hydrogels (differing in Aloe vera concentration, AV5 and AV10) prepared by an all-green synthesis method from raw, natural, renewable and bioavailable materials such as salicylic acid, allantoin and xanthan gum were investigated. The morphology of the Aloe vera based hydrogel biomaterials was studied by SEM analysis. The rheological properties of the hydrogels, as well as their cell viability, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, were determined. The antibacterial activity of Aloe vera based hydrogels was evaluated both on Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus and on Gram-negative, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The obtained novel green Aloe vera based hydrogels showed good antibacterial properties. In vitro scratch assay demonstrated the capacity of both AV5 and AV10 hydrogels to accelerate cell proliferation and migration and induce closure of a wounded area. A corroboration of all morphological, rheological, cytocompatibility and cell viability results indicates that this Aloe vera based hydrogel may be suitable for wound healing applications.

Chronic Inflammation-A Link between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Dysfunctional Adipose Tissue.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a new challenge in modern medicine, due to its high prevalence in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is a complex dysmetabolic process, following the "multiple-hit" hypothesis that involves hepatocytes excessive accumulation of triglycerides, insulin resistance (IR), increased oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammatory response and lipotoxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the interrelation of these processes, the link between systemic and local inflammation and the role of dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT) in the NAFLD development. Multiple extrahepatic triggers of the pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD are described: nutritional deficiency or malnutrition, unhealthy food intake, the dysfunction of the liver-gut axis, the involvement of the mesenteric adipose tissue, the role of adipokines such as adiponectin, of food intake hormone, the leptin and leptin resistance (LR) and adipose tissue's hormone, the resistin. In addition, a wide range of intrahepatic players are involved: oxidative stress, fatty acid oxidation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, resident macrophages (Kupffer cells), neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), B and T lymphocytes contributing to the potential evolution of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This interdependent approach to complex dysmetabolic imbalance in NAFLD, integrating relevant studies, could contribute to a better clarification of pathogenesis and consequently the development of new personalized treatments, targeting de novo lipogenesis, chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Further studies are needed to focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention strategy in NAFLD.

The correlation between the mineral drinking water composition and the relevance of dentine in health - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the concentration of Ca, Mg and F in drinking water from five counties in Transylvania, Romania and correlated these with mineral values found in the dentine of permanent carious teeth. The role of these minerals on the re-mineralization of teeth is broadly analyzed. METHODS: The study consists of two parts: the first part is a pilot study aimed at determining the concentration of Ca, Mg and F in the dentine of permanent carious teeth of 75 male adults with residence in five counties in Transylvania. The second part is an evaluation of the levels of mineral composition in the drinking water from these counties. Mineral concentrations in dentine and drinking water samples, were determined in the laboratories of the public health institute and the research and analysis institute in Cluj Napoca, Romania. RESULTS: Statistically we found a direct and significant correlation between the Ca, Mg and F contain from the water samples and Ca, Mg and F contain from the dentine samples and an inverse correlation was statistically highlighted between Ca found in water samples and the F concentration in dentine samples. Improperly water mineralization associated with a general lack of fluoride reveals a potential negative impact on consumer health, including the oral-jaw system. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the need for improving the prevention of dental caries which is a priority in promoting orthodontic health for children. The variability in dentine minerals indicates the fact that permanent molar dentin represents an important biomarker for exposure. The future research will have to take into consideration the community residency status and the fact that these studies require a large sample to separate individual and community level contributions to dentin fluoride. Considering these notifications, we conclude that minerals are highly associated with caries.

Chemotherapy-related infectious complications in patients with Hematologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to determine the association between chemotherapy and infectious complications in patients diagnosed with Hematologic malignancies (HMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 463 patients diagnosed with HMs multiple myeloma (MM), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), non-HL (NHL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia, between January 2014 and June 2015. The patients were followed for 1 year after inclusion, to record the infectious complications. The collected data included age, sex, type of chemotherapy regimen, and several blood tests at admission. All patients received prophylactic treatment with antibiotics and antifungal agents. For each infection, we recorded the microbiological diagnosis and the day of occurrence since HMs diagnosis. RESULTS: In patients with MM, we found that the treatment with growth factors (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1-4.6; P = 0.03) was associated with a higher chance of infectious complications. In patients with non-Hodgkin lymhoma (LNH), the following drugs were associated with a higher infectious incidence: cytarabine (HR: 2.3; CI 95%: 1-5; P = 0.03), methotrexate (HR: 2.1; CI 95%: 1.8-4; P = 0.01), dexamethasone (HR: 1.7; CI 95%: 0.9-3; P = 0.06), growth factors (HR: 1.7; CI 95%: 0.9-3.2; P = 0.001), and etoposide (HR: 2.5; CI 95%: 1.5-4.2; P = 0.002). Cytarabine (induction) (HR: 2; CI 95%: 1.1-3.7; P = 0.01), cytarabine (consolidation) (HR: 2.1; CI 95%: 1.3-3.5; P = 0.01), and growth factors (HR: 2.1; CI 95%: 1.3-3.5; P = 0.002) were often on the therapeutic plan of patients with AML, which developed infections. CONCLUSION: Regarding the chemotherapy regimen, the highest incidences of infectious complications were observed for growth factors and cytarabine.

Quaternary Ti-20Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy during immersion in simulated physiological solutions: formation of layers, dissolution and biocompatibility.

Samples of the quaternary Ti-20Nb-10Zr-5Ta alloy were immersed in Hanks' simulated physiological solution and in minimum essential medium (MEM) for 25 days. Samples of Ti metal served as controls. During immersion, the concentration of ions dissolved in MEM was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while at the end of the experiment the composition of the surface layers was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their morphology by scanning electron microscopy equipped for chemical analysis. The surface layer formed during immersion was comprised primarily of TiO2 but contained oxides of alloying elements as well. The degree of oxidation differed for different metal cations; while titanium achieved the highest valency, tantalum remained as the metal or is oxidized to its sub-oxides. Calcium phosphate was formed in both solutions, while formation of organic-related species was observed only in MEM. Dissolution of titanium ions was similar for metal and alloy. Among alloying elements, zirconium dissolved in the largest quantity. The long-term effects of alloy implanted in the recipient's body were investigated in MEM, using two types of human cells-an osteoblast-like cell line and immortalized pulmonary fibroblasts. The in vitro biocompatibility of the quaternary alloy was similar to that of titanium, since no detrimental effects on cell survival, induction of apoptosis, delay of growth, or change in alkaline phosphatase activity were observed on incubation in MEM.

The Impact of Peri-Implant Diseases on the General Status of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to connect peri-implantitis to cardiovascular diseases, following the association found between periodontitis and cardiovascular conditions in recent years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science online databases were searched up to June 2023, with the exclusion criteria being research written in a language other than English. The MeSH search items were as follows: ["peri-implant health OR peri-implantitis OR peri-implant mucositis OR peri-implant disease"] AND ["cardiovascular diseases"]. Patient/population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), outcome (O) framework questions were followed to identify the clinical evidence for the systematic review. Only clinical studies that used a control group to compare the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and peri-implantitis were selected. RESULTS: A total of 118 studies were identified through electronic search of the keywords. After removing duplicates, there were 76 records to be screened. Upon exclusion of ineligible titles and abstracts, 27 studies remained for evaluation. Finally, 23 studies were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving 4 studies to be included in the qualitative analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study found there is a linear association between mucosal/gingival inflammation and carotid intima-media thickness test (c-IMT) values. Peri-implant mucosal inflammation could be a contributor to the vascular disease burden of an individual; further specific clinical studies should be performed in order to demonstrate this connection.

Chitosan Hydrogels for Water Purification Applications.

Chitosan-based hydrogels have gained significant attention for their potential applications in water treatment and purification due to their remarkable properties such as bioavailability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmental friendliness, high pollutants adsorption capacity, and water adsorption capacity. This article comprehensively reviews recent advances in chitosan-based hydrogel materials for water purification applications. The synthesis methods, structural properties, and water purification performance of chitosan-based hydrogels are critically analyzed. The incorporation of various nanomaterials into chitosan-based hydrogels, such as nanoparticles, graphene, and metal-organic frameworks, has been explored to enhance their performance. The mechanisms of water purification, including adsorption, filtration, and antimicrobial activity, are also discussed in detail. The potential of chitosan-based hydrogels for the removal of pollutants, such as heavy metals, organic contaminants, and microorganisms, from water sources is highlighted. Moreover, the challenges and future perspectives of chitosan-based hydrogels in water treatment and water purification applications are also illustrated. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into the current state of the art regarding chitosan-based hydrogels for water purification applications and highlights their potential for addressing global water pollution challenges.

Aloe vera-Based Hydrogels for Wound Healing: Properties and Therapeutic Effects.

Aloe vera-based hydrogels have emerged as promising platforms for the delivery of therapeutic agents in wound dressings due to their biocompatibility and unique wound-healing properties. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for wound healing. The synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and properties of Aloe vera-based hydrogels are discussed. Mechanisms of therapeutic agents released from Aloe vera-based hydrogels, including diffusion, swelling, and degradation, are also analyzed. In addition, the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera-based hydrogels on wound healing, as well as the reduction of inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and tissue regeneration, are highlighted. The incorporation of various therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ones, into Aloe vera-based hydrogels is reviewed in detail. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for wound dressing applications are considered. This review provides valuable information on the current status of Aloe vera-based hydrogels for the delivery of therapeutic agents in wound dressings and highlights their potential to improve wound healing outcomes.

Antibacterial Activity and Cell Viability of Biomimetic Magnesian Calcite Coatings on Biodegradable Mg.

Mg is a material of choice for biodegradable implants. The main challenge for using Mg in temporary implants is to provide protective surfaces that mitigate its rapid degradation in biological fluids and also confer sufficient cytocompatibility and bacterial resistance to Mg-coated surfaces. Even though carbonate mineralization is the most important source of biominerals, such as the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms, there has been little success in the controlled growth of carbonate layers by synthetic processes. We present here the formation mechanism, antibacterial activity, and cell viability of magnesian calcite biomimetic coatings grown on biodegradable Mg via a green, one-step route. Cell compatibility assessment showed cell viability higher than 80% after 72 h using fibroblast cells (NCTC, clone L929) and higher than 60% after 72 h using human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2); the cells displayed a normal appearance and a density similar to the control sample. Antimicrobial potential evaluation against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923)) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853)) strains demonstrated that the coated samples significantly inhibited bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation compared to the untreated control. Calcite coatings grown on biodegradable Mg by a single coating process showed the necessary properties of cell compatibility and bacterial resistance for application in surface-modified Mg biomaterials for temporary implants.

Adolescents' Lifestyle Determinants in Relation to Their Nutritional Status during COVID-19 Pandemic Distance Learning in the North-Western Part of Romania-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Several studies have examined how the lockdown restrictions enforced to halt the spread of COVID-19 have affected adults' movement behaviors; however, there is limited information regarding the effects on youth. This study aimed to report on the lifestyle habits of adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic remote learning and explore associations between the participants' bodyweight and lifestyle behaviors. We used a cross-sectional study applied to 285 students studying in the gymnasium. The response rate was 74.21%. They completed an online questionnaire regarding lifestyle, eating habits, and nutritional status (assessed by the Body Mass Index-BMI). The study was conducted in January-February 2021. The percentage of overweight and obese was higher among boys (p = 0.001). The mean sleep duration was 8.12 (SD:1.284) hours per night, and was higher in boys than in girls. The respondents met the physical activity (PA) recommendation for their age, based mainly on unorganized PA. The screen time was 4-6 h or more for the majority of the respondents. Dietary habits included a high consumption of comfort food, like cereals, sweets, soft drinks, snacks, and fried food, but a lower consumption of vegetables and fast food. The regression analyses showed that the BMI was correlated with the BMI of the parents and the number of hours spent in front of the computers in free time. The study identified behavioral and environmental factors that can be modified with effective strategies to reduce overweight and obesity among school students and to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Green Synthesis of Hydrogel-Based Adsorbent Material for the Effective Removal of Diclofenac Sodium from Wastewater.

The removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater has gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly in the advancements of hydrogel-based adsorbents as a green solution for their ease of use, ease of modification, biodegradability, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. This study focuses on the design of an efficient adsorbent hydrogel based on 1% chitosan, 40% polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), and 4% xanthan gum (referred to as CPX) for the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from water. The interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged xanthan gum and PEG4000 leads to strengthening of the hydrogel structure. The obtained CPX hydrogel, prepared by a green, simple, easy, low-cost, and ecological method, has a higher viscosity due to the three-dimensional polymer network and mechanical stability. The physical, chemical, rheological, and pharmacotechnical parameters of the synthesized hydrogel were determined. Swelling analysis demonstrated that the new synthetized hydrogel is not pH-dependent. The obtained adsorbent hydrogel reached the adsorption capacity (172.41 mg/g) at the highest adsorbent amount (200 mg) after 350 min. In addition, the adsorption kinetics were calculated using a pseudo first-order model and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm parameters. The results demonstrate that CPX hydrogel can be used as an efficient option to remove DCF as a pharmaceutical contaminant from wastewater.

High-Content Aloe vera Based Hydrogels: Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties.

The present research focuses on the physicochemical and pharmacotechnical properties of new hydrogels obtained using allantoin, xanthan gum, salicylic acid and different concentrations of Aloe vera (5, 10, 20% w/v in solution; 38, 56, 71 wt% in dry gels). The thermal behavior of Aloe vera composite hydrogels was studied using DSC and TG/DTG analyses. The chemical structure was investigated using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies) and the morphology of the hydrogels was studied SEM and AFM microscopy. Pharmacotechnical evaluation on tensile strength and elongation, moisture content, swelling and spreadability was also completed. Physical evaluation confirmed that the appearance of the prepared Aloe vera based hydrogels was homogeneous and the color varied from pale beige to deep opaque beige with increasing Aloe vera concentration. All other evaluation parameters, e.g., pH, viscosity, spreadability and consistency were found to be adequate in all hydrogel formulations. SEM and AFM images show that the structure of the hydrogels condensed into homogeneous polymeric solids with the addition of Aloe vera, in accordance with the decrease in peak intensities observed via XRD analysis. These results suggest interactions between the hydrogel matrix and Aloe vera as observed via FTIR and TG/DTG and DSC analyses. Considering that Aloe vera content higher than 10% (w/v) did not stimulate further interactions, this formulation (FA-10) can be used for further biomedical applications.

[Prognostic factors for laser treatment in retinopathy of prematurity]. / Factori prognostici ai tratamentului laser în retinopatia prematuritatii.

PURPOSE: The paper aims to determine the anatomical results of the eyes treated by laser photocoagulation for "threshold" retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to identify the potential risk factors for the unfavorable outcomes. MATERIAL/METHOD: A retrospective study including all the consecutive ROPs that were treated by laser photocoagulation between January the 1st 2006 and September the 1st 2009 has been conducted. The followed criteria has been the anatomical result after the laser treatment. The outcomes have been correlated with: the gestational ages, the birth weights, the moment of treatment (postnatal and post-conceptional ages), the sex of the premature infants, the stage and zone of ROR. RESULTS The total number of prematurely newborns that met the screening criteria for ROP in the above-mentioned period has been 474. Of these, 350 (74%) presented no ROP and the remaining 124 (26%) developed various stages of the disease. Within the ROP group, 54 patients required laser therapy (44% of the retinopathies, representing 11% of all the prematures). The anatomical outcome has been favorable in 84% of the treated eyes, the remaining 16% presenting the progression of ROP The results of the treatment depended on the type of ROP, being significantly better in the classic disease as in the agressive posterior disease (APD) (p < 0.05). The gender also influenced the outcome: the results were better in girls as compared with boys (p < 0.05). The precocity of the laser treatment (evaluated by the postnatal and postconceptional age) has positively influenced the ROP evolution (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laser photocoagulation has proved its efficacy in the treatment of ROP on our cases. The factors that have negatively influenced the postlaser outcome were: the aggressive posterior disease, the delayed moment of the laser therapy and the male gender.

Tailoring biocompatible Ti-Zr-Nb-Hf-Si metallic glasses based on high-entropy alloys design approach.

Present work unveils novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible glassy Ti-Zr-Nb-Hf-Si alloys designed based on a high entropy alloys approach, by exploring the central region of multi-component alloy phase space. Phase analysis has revealed the amorphous structure of developed alloys, with a higher thermal stability than the conventional metallic glasses. The alloys exhibit excellent corrosion properties in simulated body fluid. Most importantly, the weak paramagnetic nature (ultralow magnetic susceptibility) and superior radiopacity (high X-ray attenuation coefficients) offer compatibility with medical diagnostic imaging systems thereby opening unexplored realms for biomedical applications.

Alcohol Consumption and Behavioral Consequences in Romanian Medical University Students.

Alcohol consumption is a major public health problem facing universities. The objectives of the present study were to investigate alcohol consumption and the behaviors associated with it among Romanian university medical students, with particular reference to sex differences, behavioral consequences, and lifestyle patterns. We performed a cross-sectional study on 722 medical students (60.4% females; 39.6% males); the participants filled out a validated questionnaire containing the following items co-occurring with alcohol consumption: smoking, illicit drug use, energy drink consumption, and other behavioral drinking consequences. Physical activity was estimated using the IPAQ questionnaire. We statistically analyzed the interrelation between alcohol consumption and target factors. The present study showed a high percentage of at-risk drinkers among male (15.0%) and female medical students (14.9%) in the studied group. Male students reported higher illicit drug use and physical activity than female students, but the at-risk female drinkers' group consumed more drugs than the low-risk female drinkers. Both male and female drinkers engaged in other risky behaviors correlated with drinking (e.g., smoking, low academic performance, and driving a car after drinking). Public health policies, strategies, and interventions should be initiated to reduce alcohol consumption and associated behaviors in medical students.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Expression in Alveolar Bone Addition With Autologous Blood, Lyophilized Bone and Atelocollagen.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The biomaterials used in guided bone regeneration have undergone significant diversification in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate alveolar bone addition and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) expression using an improved autologous and xenogeneic biomaterial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic marginal periodontitis was induced in sheep; the intervention group received bone addition as periodontal therapy, using a composite system with lyophilized bovine bone enriched with atelocollagen type 1, platelet-rich plasma and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). Six weeks after the intervention, the dentoalveolar structures were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining, to evaluate bone addition and BMP7 expression. RESULTS: The untreated sheep showed inflammation, periodontal ligament destruction, remnants of calculus and bacterial plaque as well as foreign bodies in the desmodontal space, without sings of repair. In the treated sheep, fibroblasts/fibrosis, cartilage and/or new bone, cellular cementum and desmodontium, along with remnants of biomaterial with various degrees of cellularity were observed. In the untreated group, the presence of BMP7 was found in osteoblasts and osteocytes while in the treated group, it was mainly found in the biomaterial remnants, while immunohistochemical staining was less intense in the newly formed osteo-periodontal tissues. Quantitative analysis using the Mann-Whitney U-test showed highly statistically significant differences between the two groups, demonstrating the efficiency of this composite system. CONCLUSION: The current composite system meets all the necessary conditions for promising guided alveolar bone regeneration.

Autogenic synthesis of green- and red-emitting single-phase Pr(2)O(2)CO(3) and PrO(1.833) luminescent nanopowders.

This Article reveals a rare synthesis of pure Pr(2)O(2)CO(3) (POC) nanopowder by thermolysis (700 °C) of a single chemical precursor in an autogenic reaction. The autogenic thermolysis of praseodymium acetate is a solvent-free, efficient, and straightforward approach yielding luminescent POC nanoparticles. The as-prepared POC nanopowder converted to PrO(1.833) (PO) powder via combustion. Methodical morphological, structural, and compositional characterizations of POC and PO powders are carried out, supported by mechanistic elucidation and the photoluminescent properties.

Robotic partial splenectomy for hydatid cyst of the spleen.

BACKGROUND: Primary splenic involvement is an uncommon manifestation of hydatid disease. Partial laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed with lower risks and good hematological results by preserving the immunological function of the spleen. The aim of this study was to outline the advantages of robotic partial splenectomy as a treatment for splenic hydatid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients with splenic hydatidosis were treated by robotic approach. The patients included one man and three women, with a mean age of 24 years (range 16­34). The localization was in the upper pole in one case and voluminous cysts in the hilar region in the other three. RESULTS: Robotic hemisplenectomy was performed in the upper pole localized cyst and robotic subtotal splenectomy with lower pole preservation in the other three. The mean operative time was 120 min (±37 min) with a console time of 95 min (±28 min); the mean hospital stay was 5 days (±2 days). CONCLUSION: Partial robotic splenectomy seems to offer safety and all benefits of minimally invasive surgery, preserves the immune function of the spleen and allows the surgeon to conserve as much of the splenic parenchyma as possible.

Correlation of Caries Prevalence, Oral Health Behavior and Sweets Nutritional Habits among 10 to 19-Year-Old Cluj-Napoca Romanian Adolescents.

Background and objectives: The primary oral disease during adolescence is dental caries. Less is known about the caries prevalence, oral health behavior, and sweets nutritional habits in Romanian adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the actual caries prevalence among Romanian adolescents in a representative area of Romania, Cluj, and to correlate with oral hygiene behaviors and dietary sugary foods intake. Materials and methods: We have done a cross-sectional study of 650 adolescents aged 10 to 19-years-old (average age 15.3 ± 2.8). We performed the oral dental examination according to the WHO methodology, calculated the number of decayed, missing (due to caries), and filled teeth (DMFT index), assessed the oral hygiene and dietary behaviors using a two-section valid questionnaire and statistically analyzed the interrelation between DMFT, oral hygiene and eating behaviors by multivariate statistical analysis. Results: (a) The caries prevalence in the adolescent population enrolled in the study was 95.5%; (b) the mean DMFT was 3.13 ± 2.0, without significant differences between the urban and rural adolescents (p = 0.253); lower in females than males (p < 0.050), (c) more than one third (33.7%, n = 219) of teenagers are seldom or never brush their teeth in the evening; (c) 40.6% of adolescents are missing the regular annual dental check-ups leading to an increased DMFT as shown in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.038); and (d) there is an increased prevalence of caries with age (p = 0.020), and with sugary sweetened beverages consumption (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Our study evidenced a persistent high caries prevalence in Romanian teenagers. Their dietary habits and irregular dental check-up were associated with the occurrence of dental conditions.