Genistein-Aspirin Combination Exerts Cytotoxic and Anti-Migratory Effects in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogenous pathology with high incidence and mortality rates globally, but it is also preventable so finding the most promising candidates (natural compounds or repurposed drugs) to be chemopreventive alternatives has become a topic of interest in recent years. The present work aims to elucidate the potential effects of a combination between genistein (GEN), an isoflavone of natural origin, and aspirin (ASA) in CRC prevention/treatment by performing an in vitro evaluation in human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) and an in ovo analysis using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Cell viability was verified by an MTT (migratory potential by scratch) assay, and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Our results indicated a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of ASA (2.5 mM) + GEN (10-75 µM) combination characterized by reduced cell viability and morphological changes (actin skeleton reorganization and nuclei deterioration), an inhibition of HCT-116 cells' migratory potential by down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions, and an antiangiogenic effect by modifying the vascular network. These promising results raise the possibility of future in-depth investigations regarding the chemopreventive/therapeutical potential of ASA+GEN combination.

Mitochondrial DNA and Inflammation Are Associated with Cerebral Vessel Remodeling and Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Cerebrovascular disease accounts for major neurologic disabilities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A potential association of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and inflammation with cerebral vessel remodeling in patients with type 2 DM was evaluated. A cohort of 150 patients and 30 healthy controls were assessed concerning urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), synaptopodin, podocalyxin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), N-acetyl-ß-(D)-glucosaminidase (NAG), interleukins IL-17A, IL-18, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). MtDNA-CN and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were quantified in peripheral blood and urine by qRT-PCR. Cytochrome b (CYTB) gene, subunit 2 of NADH dehydrogenase (ND2), and beta 2 microglobulin nuclear gene (B2M) were assessed by TaqMan assays. mtDNA-CN was defined as the ratio of the number of mtDNA/nDNA copies, through analysis of the CYTB/B2M and ND2/B2M ratio; cerebral Doppler ultrasound: intima-media thickness (IMT)-the common carotid arteries (CCAs), the pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI)- the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), the breath-holding index (BHI). The results showed direct correlations of CCAs-IMT, PI-ICAs, PI-MCAs, RI-ICAs, RI-MCAs with urinary mtDNA, IL-17A, IL-18, TNFα, ICAM-1, UACR, synaptopodin, podocalyxin, KIM-1, NAG, and indirect correlations with serum mtDNA, IL-10. BHI correlated directly with serum IL-10, and serum mtDNA, and negatively with serum IL-17A, serum ICAM-1, and NAG. In neurologically asymptomatic patients with type 2 DM cerebrovascular remodeling and impaired cerebrovascular reactivity may be associated with mtDNA variations and inflammation from the early stages of diabetic kidney disease.

Multivariate analysis and data mining help predict asthma exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Work-related asthma has become a highly prevalent occupational lung disorder. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to evaluate occupational exposure as a predictor for asthma exacerbation. METHOD: We performed a retrospective evaluation of 584 consecutive patients diagnosed and treated for asthma between October 2017 and December 2019 in four clinics from Western Romania. We evaluated the enrolled patients for their asthma control level by employing the Asthma Control Test (ACT < 20 represents uncontrolled asthma), the medical record of asthma exacerbations, occupational exposure, and lung function (i.e. spirometry). Then, we used statistical and data mining methods to explore the most important predictors for asthma exacerbations. RESULTS: We identified essential predictors by calculating the odds ratios (OR) for the exacerbation in a logistic regression model. The average age was 45.42 ± 11.74 years (19-85 years), and 422 (72.26%) participants were females. 42.97% of participants had exacerbations in the past year, and 31.16% had a history of occupational exposure. In a multivariate model analysis adjusted for age and gender, the most important predictors for exacerbation were uncontrolled asthma (OR 4.79, p < .001), occupational exposure (OR 4.65, p < .001), and lung function impairment (FEV1 < 80%) (OR 1.15, p = .011). The ensemble machine learning experiments on combined patient features harnessed by our data mining approach reveal that the best predictor is professional exposure, followed by ACT. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning ensemble methods and statistical analysis concordantly indicate that occupational exposure and ACT < 20 are strong predictors for asthma exacerbation.

Metabolites Potentially Derived from Gut Microbiota Associated with Podocyte, Proximal Tubule, and Renal and Cerebrovascular Endothelial Damage in Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in T2DM Patients.

Complications due to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) have a powerful impact on mortality and morbidity. Our current diagnostic markers have become outdated as T2DM-related complications continue to develop. The aim of the investigation was to point out the relationship between previously selected metabolites which are potentially derived from gut microbiota and indicators of endothelial, proximal tubule (PT), and podocyte dysfunction, and neurosonological indices. The study participants were 20 healthy controls and 90 T2DM patients divided into three stages: normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria. Serum and urine metabolites were determined by untargeted and targeted metabolomic techniques. The markers of endothelial, PT and podocyte dysfunction were assessed by ELISA technique, and the neurosonological indices were provided by an ultrasound device with high resolution (MYLAB 8-ESAOTE Italy). The descriptive statistical analysis was followed by univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. In conclusion, in serum, arginine (sArg), butenoylcarnitine (sBCA), and indoxyl sulfate (sIS) expressed a biomarker potential in terms of renal endothelial dysfunction and carotid atherosclerosis, whereas sorbitol (sSorb) may be a potential biomarker of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. In urine, BCA and IS were associated with markers of podocyte damage, whereas PCS correlated with markers of PT dysfunction.

Mitochondrial DNA Changes in Blood and Urine Display a Specific Signature in Relation to Inflammation in Normoalbuminuric Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important mechanism contributing to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in blood and urine were evaluated in relation to podocyte injury and proximal tubule (PT) dysfunction, as well as to a specific inflammatory response in normoalbuminuric DKD. A total of 150 type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients (52 normoalbuminuric, 48 microalbuminuric, and 50 macroalbuminuric ones, respectively) and 30 healthy controls were assessed concerning the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), biomarkers of podocyte damage (synaptopodin and podocalyxin), PT dysfunction (kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and N-acetyl-ß-(D)-glucosaminidase (NAG)), and inflammation (serum and urinary interleukins (IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-10)). MtDNA-CN and nuclear DNA (nDNA) were quantified in peripheral blood and urine via qRT-PCR. MtDNA-CN was defined as the ratio of the number of mtDNA/nDNA copies via analysis of the CYTB/B2M and ND2/B2M ratio. Multivariable regression analysis provided models in which serum mtDNA directly correlated with IL-10 and indirectly correlated with UACR, IL-17A, and KIM-1 (R2 = 0.626; p < 0.0001). Urinary mtDNA directly correlated with UACR, podocalyxin, IL-18, and NAG, and negatively correlated with eGFR and IL-10 (R2 = 0.631; p < 0.0001). Mitochondrial DNA changes in serum and urine display a specific signature in relation to inflammation both at the podocyte and tubular levels in normoalbuminuric type 2 DM patients.

Benefits of Using Smartphones and Other Digital Methods in Achieving Better Cardiac Rehabilitation Goals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND The importance of introducing digital technology as an alternative to classical cardiac rehabilitation has been discussed in several reviews. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of digital technology use in cardiac rehabilitation to determine whether digital methods like use of smartphones, compared to traditional rehabilitation methods, can improve the overall quality of life and exercise capacity of cardiac patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched in a randomized manner, resulting in 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met all the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were patients with coronary heart disease, valvular surgery, or post- myocardial revascularization that were in a technology-assisted cardiac rehabilitation program vs traditional standard physical follow-up protocol. RESULTS Seven eligible trials including a total of 802 participants examined the effect of interventions on VO2 peak. One of the studies comprised 2-stage analysis for this parameter. We found that VO2 peak was significantly higher in the intervention group. Three studies analyzed the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) results; significant differences were reported, with better results in the interventional group. CONCLUSIONS The results of our meta-analysis support conducting further randomized trials, considering that the development of technology is on the rise. In the past decade there has been an immense increase in the use of smartphones, which can widely be used in healthcare, with promising benefits in having efficient home-based monitoring of the patients and in reducing financial burden.

Trichinellosis in Hospitalized Children and Adults from Western Romania: A 11-Year Retrospective Study.

Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a consequence of consuming raw or improperly cooked meat containing the infective larvae of Trichinella spp. The aim of this observational cohort retrospective study is to compare the epidemiological, laboratory, clinical and therapeutic aspects of trichinellosis in children and adults from Western Romania. We investigated the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with trichinellosis and hospitalized between 17 January 2010 and 31 December 2020. One hundred thirty-three patients were identified according to the electronic databases of infectious disease hospitals, located in four counties from Western Romania. A total of 19 patients (14.28%) were children and 114 patients (85.71%) were adults. In children, the most frequent symptoms were digestive in 78.94%, followed by fever in 57.89%, eyelid or facial edema in 57.89% and myalgia in 52.63% of cases, while adults presented mainly myalgia in 87.71%, followed by fever in 77.19%, digestive symptoms in 68.42% and eyelid or facial edema in 66.66% of cases. The source of infection was pork meat products in the majority of patients (89.47%). Our results revealed a general declining trend in infection rates for both children and adults during the studied period. The vast majority of cases were severe and all required hospitalization. Education of the population along with public health strategies should be improved and maintained to fully prevent trichinellosis in Western Romania.

Inflammatory Markers as Predictors for Prolonged Duration of Hospitalization in Maxillofacial Infections.

Despite the progress made in diagnosing and treating maxillofacial infections, the course of infection can be unpredictable, leading to severe complications, prolonged hospitalization, and substantial financial costs to health care services. It is important to determine whether various serum inflammatory marker levels on admission may predict a prolonged hospital stay in these patients. To analyze the role of CRP, white blood cell count (WBC), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting the prolonged duration of hospitalization in maxillofacial infections, we performed a retrospective study by collecting paper records data from 108 patients who met our inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of hospitalization (group A < 5 days and group B ≥ 5 days). The predictor variables were CRP, WBC, and NLR, and the outcome variable was the duration of hospitalization. This study confirmed a positive linear correlation (p < 0.001) between the predictors and the outcome variable. The optimal cut-off values for WBC are 11,030 white blood cells/µL and 63 mg/L for CRP. Levels that exceed these optimal values predict a duration of hospitalization of over (≥) 5 days. Serum WBC and CRP on admission may predict the duration of hospitalization in patients with MFI.

A Heart Rate Step Function Response Method for the Evaluation of Pulse Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardio-Vascular Events.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events. The study intended to be helpful in finding methods for the preliminary assessment of PWV in primary care units. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 36 subjects (considered healthy by their own statement) from the medical field (medicine students and residents) aged between 20 and 30 years: 33.3% males and 66.7% females. Two types of measurements were carried out successively: (a) measurements with the arteriograph and (b) measurements on a treadmill effort testing system, where heart rate (HR) was measured over time as a response to step function physical effort (PE). Results: The study allowed for the highlighting of some limits which, if exceeded, can be associated with high PWV values: (i) if after a moderate PE and a resting time of at least 6 min, the HR is larger than 80 b/min; (ii) if the relaxation time in a PE test of moderate intensity is larger than 1 min; (iii) if the HR measured after the subject is raised from the supine to orthostatic position is larger than 100 b/min, and (iv) if the resting HR is larger than 80 b/min. Conclusions: Steady-state HR correlates with PWV and may be used for the preliminary assessment of PWV.

Mindful Eating Questionnaire: Validation and Reliability in Romanian Adults.

Mindful eating may play an important role in long-term weight maintenance. In interventions aiming at weight reduction, increasing the levels of mindful eating was associated with higher levels of success and lower levels of weight rebound in the long run. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a mindful eating questionnaire for Romanian adults using Framson's Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). To calculate the internal (n = 495) and external (n = 45) reliability, a general population sample was taken. Construct validity was assessed using the "known groups" method: dietitians (n = 70), sports professionals (n = 52), and individuals with overweight and obesity (n = 200). Convergent validity tested the association between the MEQ score and demographic characteristics of the total sample (n = 617). The internal (0.72) and external (0.83) reliability were adequate. Dietitians and sports professionals had overall lower scores, meaning more mindful eating compared to the group of individuals with overweight and obesity. The lower mindful eating practice was associated with the presence of excess weight, suboptimal health status perception, higher levels of stress and younger age. The Romanian version of the MEQ is a reliable and valid tool for measuring mindfulness of eating in adults.

Assessment of Different Techniques for Adhesive Cementation of All-Ceramic Systems.

Background and Objectives: Modern esthetic dentistry is based on all-ceramic restorations. Dentists still have reservations about using these restorations due to a lack of understanding of the cementation technique, which depends on the type of ceramic used. The aim of the study is to evaluate the approaches and practices of clinicians regarding the adhesive cementation of all-ceramic restorations. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire regarding the use of all-ceramic restorations and their bonding methods was designed by distinguishing the cementation of oxide and silica-based ceramics. The survey included dentists practicing in Timiș County, Romania. The questionnaire and the evaluation of the answers were designed based on the techniques and evidence from the literature. Results: Considering the work experience, we obtained two groups: group 1-1 to 6 years and group 2-6 to 9+ years. The results revealed significant values when comparing the two groups in the surface protocol and decontamination (p = 0.005), type of cement used (p = 0.002), and isolation techniques (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The results show that many clinicians need additional training to improve their cementing technique and avoid the confusion caused by insufficient information about the interrelationship between the type of ceramic and the cementation procedure.

Validation of the Romanian Version of the Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMAS-SF) Among Undergraduate Medical Students.

Purpose: Internet addiction is a recently recognized condition that has been linked to decreased academic performance, clinical symptoms of depression or anxiety, alongside decreased empathy levels. This study examined the validity and reliability of "the Social Media Addiction Scale - Student Form (SMAS-SF)". Patients and Methods: The final Romanian version of the questionnaire was tested in a focus group for the understandability of each question. For confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, a sample of 649 students was recruited. A subsample of 67 undergraduate students was used to measure reliability by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: A 2-step confirmatory factor analysis was used and 4 factors emerged, similar to the original questionnaire: virtual tolerance, virtual problems, virtual information, and virtual communication, showing acceptable levels of fit. The structural equation modeling measured the structural relationship between measured variables and latent constructs and acknowledged that the 4-factor model had satisfactory levels for comparative fit index (0.916) and Tucker-Lewis index (0.897), root mean square error of approximation (0.062, with 95% CI between 0.055-0.069), and standardized root mean square residual (0.053). Values of Cronbach's alpha = 0.817 and ICC = 0.829 for the overall 16 item questionnaire were acceptable. Conclusion: The Romanian version of the SMAS-SF is a reliable and valid tool to measure social media addiction among undergraduate medical students that may be further used in subsequent research.

Pulse Wave Velocity, a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, and Its Correlation with the General Stress Level of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: In the COVID-19 epidemiological context, the health care workers who were treating patients with COVID-19 were exposed daily to additional stress. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a predictive parameter for possible major adverse cardiovascular events. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the general stress levels and PWVs of medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study group was heterogeneous in terms of the medical profession. PWV was measured using a TendioMed arteriograph. Assessment of stress level was performed using a general stress questionnaire with questions grouped on the areas that contribute to stress: lifestyle, environment, symptoms, job, relationships and personality. PWV measurements and stress assessment were performed both during the period with many patients with COVID-19 and during the period with few patients with COVID-19. Results: The stress levels and PWVs of subjects were higher in the period when they cared for patients with COVID-19 than in the period when they did not have patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: The study shows a positive correlation between the PWV of each subject and his/her stress score (the higher the stress score, the higher the PWV).

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect 33% of blood donors worldwide, and seroprevalence varies widely between countries. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in blood donors from Western Romania. Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 1347 healthy blood donors. Risk factors for T. gondii infection were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 45.9%, with a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001) from 32.6% in age group 18−25 years to 67.6% in age group 56−63 years. T. gondii seroprevalence decreased with increasing level of education, from 64.3% in individuals who graduated from elementary/middle school to 40.4% in those who graduated from University (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, level of education and having pets (cats and/or dogs) were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Conclusions: This study brings new and valuable data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in Romania. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in blood donors and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies that should lead to implementation of prevention programs for toxoplasmosis.

Diagnostic Value of microRNA-375 as Future Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Detection: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Responding to the need for additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), mounting studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) possess great potential as future promising diagnostic tools. However, the usefulness of these miRNAs is still highly debated, as the degree of inconsistency between study designs and results is still elevated. Herein, we present a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic value and accuracy of circulating miR-375, as it is one of the most studied types of miRs in PCa. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of miR-375 was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool, analyzing different statistical parameters. The seven studies (from six articles) that matched our selection included 422 PCa patients and 212 controls (70 healthy volunteers + 142 with benign prostate diseases). Results and Conclusion: We obtained a p-value of 0.76 for sensitivity, 0.83 for specificity, 16 for DOR, 4.6 for LR+, 0.29 for LR-, and 0.87 for AUC (95% CI 0.83-0.89). Our results confirm that miRNA-375 has high diagnostic potential for PCa, suggesting its usefulness as a powerful biomarker. More comprehensive studies are warranted to better assess its true value as a diagnostic biomarker for this urologic disease.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Trichinella spiralis Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania.

Background and Objectives: Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a foodborne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Humans are infected with Trichinella larvae through the ingestion of meat that has not been properly cooked. Romania reported most of the confirmed cases of trichinellosis among the EU countries. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors of Trichinella infection in blood donors from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 1347 consecutive blood donors were investigated using an immunoenzymaticassay (ELISA) for the determination of specific IgG class antibodies against T.spiralis. A questionnaire interview was used to obtain information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. spiralis infection. Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test or the Fisher exact two-tailed test, as appropriate, were used for comparison between T. spiralis positive and T. spiralis negative blood donors. Student's t-test was used to evaluate differences between means in studied groups and body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info Version 7.2 and Stata 16.1. Results: T. spiralis IgG antibodies were detected in 2.00% (27) of 1347 consecutive blood donors. Eating raw and/or undercooked meat, from pigs or wild boars, was found to be the main risk factor (p < 0.001). Strong alcoholic drink consumption was highly associated with T. spiralis infection (p = 0.009). Trichinella seroprevalence was higher among rural residents and males. Subjects identified as Trichinella seropositive were not previously diagnosed and have not been treated for Trichinella infection with any specific therapy. Conclusions: The demonstration of T. spiralis antibodies in healthy blood donors suggests that Trichinella infection may be detected in asymptomatic individuals that were not previously diagnosed with this zoonosis.

Reliability and Validity of the Emotional Eater Questionnaire in Romanian Adults.

Negative emotions and chronic stress trigger abnormal compensatory behaviors known as emotional eating (EE). EE is a well-known mediator for increased body mass index and weight gain. Our aim was to analyze the factor structure and validity and reliability of the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) in a sample of 200 Romanian adults with excess weight. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the construct validity. The mindful eating questionnaire (MEQ) was used to test concurrent validity. Cronbach's alpha and Spearman correlations were used to analyze internal and external reliability. The socio-demographic characteristics were used as factors for convergent validity. PCA revealed the existence of three major factors, disinhibition, type of food, and guilt, which accounted for 64.9% of the variance. Concurrent validity showed medium to large associations with MEQ (r = 0.650; p < 0.001) and a large association with the emotional subscale of MEQ (r = 0.732; p < 0.001). Reliability was adequate with Cronbach's alfa = 0.841 and ICC = 0.775. In a multivariate model, the highest contribution to the EE score was the age (beta = −0.327), followed by feminine gender (beta = 0.321), high levels of perceived stress (beta = 0.215), BMI (beta = 0.184) and lower perceived health status (beta = 0.184). The Romanian version of the EEQ is a reliable and valid tool for measuring emotional eating in adults with excess weight.

The Role of C-Reactive Protein and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting the Severity of Odontogenic Infections in Adult Patients.

Background and Objectives: Odontogenic infections (OI) represent a frequent cause of dental and maxillo-facial interventions, mostly due to late presentations or misdiagnosed complications. It is believed that the intensity of the immunoinflammatory response in OI is the main prognostic factor. Therefore, in this research, it was pursued to determine if the combination of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) (CRP-NLR) may serve as potential severity predictors in patients with odontogenic infections. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis on 108 patients hospitalized for odontogenic infections was conducted at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery. Depending on the symptom severity scale, patients hospitalized with OI were divided into two equal groups based on infection severity (SS). Results: Patients with severe OI from Group B were associated more frequently with diabetes mellitus and smoking more often than those with a lower severity from Group A. In Group A, abscesses of odontogenic origin accounted for 70.4% of hospitalizations, while in Group B, abscesses and cellulitis were associated in 55.6% of cases (p-value < 0.001). The disease outcomes were more severe in Group B patients, where 22.2% of them developed sepsis, compared to 7.4% of Group A patients (p-value = 0.030). However, there was no significant difference in mortality rates. The SS and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) scores of Group B patients were substantially higher than Group A patients (13.6 vs. 6.1 for the SS score, p-value < 0.001), respectively, 2312.4 vs. 696.3 for the SII score (p-value < 0.001). All biomarker scores, including the CRP-NLR relationship, were considerably higher in Group B patients, with a median score of 341.4 vs. 79.0 in Group B (p-value < 0.001). The CRP-NLR association determined a 7.28-fold increased risk of severe OI. The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis of CRP-NLR yielded an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.889, with high sensitivity (79.6%) and high specificity (85.1%), for predicting a severe odontogenic infection using biomarkers measured at hospital admission (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that CRP-NLR is a reliable and affordable biomarker for determining the severity of odontogenic infections that may be included in other prognostic models for dental infections.

Dynamics of Antibody Response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: A 7-Month Follow-Up Study.

Background and Objectives: Comprehension regarding immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is limited, and the durability of immune responses after vaccination is currently unknown. Several studies have reported on the antibody response in fully vaccinated individuals with a limited follow-up of the participants, i.e., below 7 months. Materials and Methods: The antibody response to complete vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was assessed monthly, for 7 months, in 92 healthcare workers, between February 26 and September 26, 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein IgG (IgGS) antibody was detected using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay (Abbott, Diagnostics Division, Sligo, Ireland), a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) with a sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 99.6%. Participants were divided into two groups, one for individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the other for individuals without previous infection. Results: The median IgGS titers decreased monthly both in previously infected individuals and in the uninfected group. Previously infected individuals had significantly higher median titers of IgGS compared with previously uninfected subjects at all seven time points after complete vaccination (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Seven months after vaccination, the median IgGS titer had decreased by more than 92% both in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and in uninfected individuals. However, IgGS antibodies were still detected in all study participants and persisted throughout the 7 months after the second dose of the vaccine. Further studies should be conducted to monitor the antibody response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine beyond 7 months, to assess the need for a new booster dose in order to extend the duration and amplitude of the specific immune response.