TCF7L2 Polymorphism rs7903146 (C/T) and Gestational Diabetes Influence on Obstetric Outcome: A Romanian Case-Control Study.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most frequent predictors of obstetric outcome among Romanian pregnant women. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of rs7903146 (C/T) TCF7L2 gene polymorphism in the presence of GDM and to evaluate the influence on maternal-fetal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women from Northern Transylvania. Our prospective case-control study was performed in a tertiary maternity center on 61 patients diagnosed with GDM and 55 normal pregnant patients. The patients were genotyped for rs7903146 (C/T) polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene using the PCR-RFLP method between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. The minor T allele was associated with a high risk of developing GDM (OR 1.71 [95% CI 0.82-3.59]) if both heterozygote and homozygote types were considered. Also, a higher risk of developing GDM was observed in homozygous carriers (OR 3.26 [95% CI 1.10-9.68]). Women with the TT genotype were more likely to require insulin therapy during pregnancy than other genotypes with a 5.67-fold increased risk ([1.61-19.97], p = 0.015). TT homozygote type was significantly associated with fetal macrosomia for birth weights greater than the 95th percentile (p = 0.034). The homozygous TT genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing GDM. Also, rs7903146 (C/T) TCF7L2 variant is accompanied by a high probability of developing insulin-dependent gestational diabetes mellitus (ID-GDM). The presence of at least one minor T allele was associated with a higher risk of fetal macrosomia.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived stress among Romanian young adults: negative affect and avoidant coping as mediators / El impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en el estrés percibido por jóvenes rumanos: los afectos negativos y las estrategias evasivas como mediadores

Antecedentes y objetivos: Aunque se consideraba que los jóvenes estaban menos expuestos a contraer una forma severa de la infección, los efectos que ellos más resintieron fueron los psicosociales. El presente artículo se propone comprobar el papel mediador de los afectos negativos y de las estrategias evasivas, primero en la relación entre el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 y el estrés percibido, y luego entre la amenaza percibida y el estrés. Diseño: Se utilizó un diseño transversal. Métodos: Se empleó una muestra de 669 estudiantes de grado (18 - 28 años) durante la cuarta oleada de coronavirus, cuando la variante delta era la dominante. Resultados: Se observaron asociaciones positivas entre el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 y el estrés percibido (r = .485; p<.001), por un lado, y entre la amenaza percibida y el estrés (r = .283; p< .001), por otro lado. Los datos estadísticos demuestran que los afectos negativos y las estrategias evasivas actúan como mediadores seriales (efecto indirecto = .3349, 95% CI, [.2858; .3852] / (efecto indirecto = .2072, 95% CI, [.1515; .2624]). Consecuentemente, el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 (β = .137; 95% CI [.0019; .0045]) y la amenaza percibida (β = .069; 95% CI [.0007; .0046]) aumentan el estrés no sólo de manera directa, sino también indirecta, intensificando los afectos negativos. Esto genera una propensión hacia el uso específico de estrategias evasivas de afrontamiento. Conclusiones: El estudio subraya algunos mecanismos explicativos en cuanto a las relaciones entre variables que afectan la salud mental durante la pandemia COVID-19.(AU)

Background and objectives:Although young adults were considered to face a lower risk of severe coronavirus infection, they were at higher risk for adverse psychosocial effects. The aim of this study was to test the me-diating roles of negative affect and avoidant coping, firstly in the relation-ship between COVID-19 impact and perceived stress, and then in the rela-tionship between perceived coronavirus threat and perceived stress. Design:Cross-sectional design. Methods: We conducted the study on a sample of 669 university students (aged between 18-28), during the critical fourth wave, when the delta variant was the dominant strain. Results: The results indicate significant positive associations between the impact of COVID-19 and perceived stress (r = .485; p<.001), and between perceived corona-virus threat and perceived stress (r= .283; p<.001). Our findings demon-strate that negative affect and avoidant coping serially mediate these rela-tionships (total indirect effect = .3349, 95% CI, [.2858; .3852] / (total indi-rect effect = .2072, 95% CI, [.1515; .2624]). Thus, the impact of COVID-19 (β= .137; 95% CI [.0019; .0045]) and perceived coronavirus threat (β= .069; 95% CI [.0007; .0046]) induce an increase in stress not only directly, but also indirectly, through amplified negative affect, which in turn in-creases the specific-oriented use of avoidant coping strategies. Conclusions:Our results highlighted some new explanatory relationships between varia-bles that affect mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.(AU)

Assessing the role of actors in river restoration: A network perspective.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the actors involved in river restoration in Romania by untangling the complex networks that they are part of. Actors were considered nodes in a social network, tied by a common action or project. The nodes were characterized through the centrality metrics of a network. The network of actors in river restoration in Romania has a low density and high average path length and diameter for such a spare network, which suggests that knowledge transfer and collaboration are difficult. In the context of a highly centralized water governance system in Romania, the National Authority for Water exerts power and influence in river restoration as well. It has numerous partners, both disconnected and well connected in the network, therefore, it tends to be connected to everybody, as well as gets and diffuses knowledge. Yet, other actors are willing to get involved in river restoration in Romania. NGOs and research organizations have a central position in the network and play various roles (e.g., unconcerned influencers, gate-keepers, pulse-takers). As a recommendation for governing river restoration in Romania, we urge the creation of a national programme focused on river restoration, where the call for projects would be coordinated by the National Authority for Water and open to its territorial subordinates in agreement with stakeholders from various sectors and domains.

A comprehensive analysis concerning eating behavior associated with chronic diseases among Romanian community nurses.

Introduction: Lifestyle factors, including inadequate eating patterns, emerge as a critical determinant of chronic disease. Apart from caring for patients, nurses should also take an active role in monitoring and managing their own health. Understanding the intricate relationship between nurses' eating behavior and managing their own health is crucial for fostering a holistic approach to healthcare, therefore our study aimed to evaluate eating behavior and demographic factors influencing chronic disease prevalence in a sample of community nurses from Romania. Methods: Between October-November 2023, 1920 community nurses were invited to answer an online survey, using an advertisement in their professional network. Of them, 788 responded. In the survey, which included a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with 53 food items, the Intuitive Eating Survey 2 (IES-2), and demographic items were used. Results: A multivariate model was built for the prediction of the association between eating behavior and other factors associated with chronic diseases. The majority of participants were females (95.1%), with the largest age group falling between 40 and 49.9 years (48.2%). Regarding the EFSA criteria for adequate carbohydrate and fat intake, 20.2% of the group have a high intake of carbohydrates, respectively, 43.4% of the group have a high intake of fat. Analysis of chronic diseases indicated that 24.9% of individuals reported at least one diagnosis by a physician. The presence of chronic disease was associated with a low level of perceived health status, with an OR = 3.388, 95%CI (1.684-6.814), compared to those reporting excellent or very good perceived health status. High stress had an OR = 1.483, 95%CI (1.033-2.129). BMI had an OR = 1.069, 95%CI (1.032-1.108), while low carbohydrate diet score had an OR = 0.956, 95%CI (0.920-0.992). Gender and IES-2 did not significantly contribute to the model, but their effect was controlled. Discussion: By unraveling the intricate interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, and health outcomes in this healthcare cohort, our findings contribute valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions and support programs tailored to enhance the well-being of community nurses and, by extension, the patients they support.

Fleas of wild carnivores in Romania: diversity, distribution, and host-associations.

BACKGROUND: Fleas are important hematophagous insects, infesting mammals and birds with a worldwide distribution. Fleas of medical importance have been reported from various carnivores worldwide, such as felids, canids, or mustelids. Romania hosts a wide carnivore diversity, but very little is known about flea species that parasitize these animals in Romania. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the fleas' diversity and their distribution in a relatively large and diverse number of wild carnivore hosts from Romania. METHODS: From 2013 to 2021, 282 carcasses of wild carnivores from different locations in Romania were collected and examined for the presence of ectoparasites. All collected fleas were morphologically identified using specific keys and descriptions. An analysis of the co-occurrence networks was performed. RESULTS: A total of 11 flea species were identified: Pulex irritans (41.09%), Paraceras melis (20.11%), Ctenocephalides felis (7.33%), Ctenocephalides canis (7.83%), Monopsyllus sciurorum (11.11%), Chaetopsylla trichosa (21.96%), Chaetopsylla homoea (5.5%), Chaetopsylla tuberculaticeps (100%), Chaetopsylla rothschildi (13.33%), Chaetopsylla sp. (14.34%), Chaetopsylla globiceps (5.12%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (10%). The statistical analyses showed a significant difference between the infestation of Martes foina with females being more frequently infected than males (66% versus 33%). Paraceras melis infesting Meles meles had a significantly higher prevalence in female badgers than in males (× 2 = 7.7977, P < 0.01) and higher intensities of infestations in males than in females (t = 1.871, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large-scale study investigating the distribution and diversity of flea species infesting wild carnivores in Romania. Three flea species were identified for the first time in Romania (E. gallinacea, C. homoea, and C. tuberculaticeps).

Epidemiological and histopathological aspects of ocular melanomas in Northeastern Romania.

Ocular melanoma is a rare but complex disease in current medical practice. Our retrospective study spans over a period of 28 years and analyzed uveal and conjunctival melanomas that were consecutively admitted, diagnosed, and treated in the 2nd Ophthalmology Clinic of Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania. The patients were selected from the records of the Department of Pathology of our Hospital, being diagnosed by standard histopathological techniques. The aim of this study was to summarize the epidemiological and pathological aspects of uveal and conjunctival melanomas in Northeastern region of Romania. In our study, we did not notice a predilection of uveal and conjunctival melanoma to one particular gender. The most common histological subtypes of ocular melanomas were the heavily pigmented spindle cell subtype, followed by the epithelioid subtype. Our patients sought medical help in a timely manner, before the systemic invasion of the disease could develop.

Vitamin D Status in the Adult Population of Romania-Results of the European Health Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a general health condition globally and is acknowledged as a public health concern in Europe. In Romania, a national program of examination of the status of vitamin D for high-risk groups has demonstrated a vitamin D deficiency prevalence of 39.83%. No national data on the status of vitamin D in the general adult population are available to date. METHODS: We used the framework of the European Health Examination Survey to analyze vitamin D levels in a sample population of adults aged 25-64 years, from 120 family doctors' patients lists, by using a sequential sampling method. Data were weighted to the Romanian population. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. RESULTS: In total, 5380 adults aged 25-64 years were included in this study. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is 24.8%. Predictors of vitamin D deficiency were found to be obesity, female sex, living in rural areas, lower education level, and lower socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Specific recommendations for vitamin D screening and supplementation should be issued for women by specialist boards. Further studies are needed to identify seasonal variation and to establish a correlation with nutritional surveys.

Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Roma Vulnerable Communities in Western Romania: Insights and Predictive Factors from a Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable populations like Roma patients in Western Romania due to marginalization and limited healthcare access. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases between March 2020 and August 2022 using data from the Directorate of Public Health in Timis county. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were assessed, along with risk factors and biomarkers for ICU admission and mortality prediction. The following biomarkers were assessed: C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin (FER), IL-6, D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and 25-OH vitamin D (25-OHD). RESULTS: In comparison with the general population (GP), Roma patients were more overweight (p = 0.0292), came from rural areas (p = 0.0001), could not recall transmission source (p = 0.0215), were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU, p = 0.0399) more frequently, had worse symptomatology (p = 0.0490), showed more elevated levels of CRP (p = 0.0245) and IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and lower levels of HDL (p = 0.0008) and 25-OHD (p = 0.0299). A stronger, significant correlation was observed between CRP and severity (rho = 0.791 vs. 0.433 in GP), and an inverse stronger significant one was observed between HDL and severity (rho = -0.850 vs. -0.734 in GP) in the Roma patients. The male sex continues to be an important risk factor for ICU admission (OR = 2.379) and death (OR = 1.975), while heavy smoking was more important in relation to ICU admission (OR = 1.768). Although the Roma ethnicity was 1.454 times more at risk of ICU admission than the GP, this did not prove statistically significant (p = 0.0751). CRP was the most important predictive factor in regards to admission to the ICU for both Roma (OR = 1.381) and the GP (OR = 1.110) and in regards to death (OR = 1.154 for Roma, OR = 1.104 for GP). A protective effect of normal values of HDL and 25-OHD was observed in the GP for both ICU admission (OR = 0.947, 0.853, respectively) and death (OR = 0.920, 0.921, respectively), while for the Roma group, normal 25-OHD values were only considered protective in regards to death (OR = 0.703). Cutoff values for ICU admission were 28.98 mg/L for Roma and 29.03 mg/L for GP patients, with high specificity for both groups (over 95). CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of ICU admissions, severe symptomatology, and distinct laboratory biomarker profiles among Roma patients emphasize the critical importance of personalized care strategies and targeted interventions to mitigate the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities. CRP values at admission have had a clear impact as a risk assessment biomarker for Roma patients, while the significance of IL-6, HDL, and 25-OHD should also not be overlooked in these patients.

The Rate of Burnout Syndrome in A Tertiary Gastroenterology University Center in Romania.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The burnout syndrome (BOS) is commonly seen in healthcare professionals, particularly in physicians who are exposed to a high level of stress at work and has a negative impact on the medical activity. Physicians with BOS manifest a negative attitude, a reduction in compassion at work, and suboptimal patient care experiences. These all can lead to absenteeism, poor performance and more frequent medical errors. We aimed to assess the level of BOS in a tertiary gastroenterology university center in Romania. METHODS: This observational study involved 40 physicians from a tertiary gastroenterology university center. An online questionnaire assessed the presence of BOS using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: A total of 40 physicians responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of overall BOS of 87.5%. In terms of high burnout, 15 doctors (37.5%) had emotional exhaustion, 10 doctors (25%) had depersonalization, and 30 doctors (80%) scored low for personal achievement. Men presented more frequently emotional exhaustion and women lower personal achievement scores, but there was no significant statistical difference. No significant relationship was found between marital status or the number of children and BOS. We identified multiple risk factors associated to BOS, the most important one being strict internal regulations. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians presented an increased risk for BOS. The high rate of BOS among physicians found in our study requires careful attention. Further studies aiming to identify other factors that contribute to BOS and to identify measures to combat this syndrome are necessary.

BRAF V600E Mutation in Malignant Melanoma-A Romanian Research Experience.

Background and Objectives: The most common mutation in malignant melanoma (MM) is the single-point mutation of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) oncogene. Our study aims to evaluate BRAF V600E mutation, highlighting its frequency differences in primary versus metastatic MM. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 133 patients diagnosed with MM in several county hospitals of the north-eastern region of Romania who have been assigned for investigation into BRAF V600E mutation in the private medical system. The material consisted of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks. BRAF V600E mutation was identified using the fully automated IdyllaTM BRAF mutation test system. Results: Out of the total of 133 cases, 78 cases were primary tumors, while 55 cases were metastatic MMs. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of BRAF V600E mutation in 66 cases (49.62%) and the wild-type genotype in 67 cases (50.37%). We found a statistically significant difference of the mutation frequency according to age (p = 0.0072). The mutated genotype was found in 45 cases out of 78 primary MMs (57.69%) and in 21 cases out of 55 secondary MMs (38.18%), with a statistically significant difference in favor of primary tumors (p = 0.0413). The correlations between the histopathological types, Clark's level, Breslow index, ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion, respectively, and the mutated genotype were not statistically significant. BRAF V600E mutation was identified in 15 out of 40 secondary tumors with lymph node location (37.5%) and in 6 out of 15 secondary tumors with another location (40%) without statistically significant differences between the mutation frequency and the location of the secondary tumors. Conclusions: Our results support MM high genetic heterogeneity, pointing out the relationship between BRAF V600E mutation and several clinicopathological characteristics, in primary and metastatic MMs, stressing the importance of BRAF testing implementation in Romania.

Influence of Education, Cognition, and Physical Disability on Quality of Life of Romanian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-A Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: objective measures of disability and neurological impairmentare used to search for disease activity and monitor disease evolution in multiple sclerosis (MS). These are sometimes in disagreement with subjective quality-of-life measures. We aimed to establish the relations between the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (MSQOL-54) and objective measures of neurological impairment. Materials and Methods: 107 patients with MS were evaluated with the Single Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) for cognition, Nine Holes Peg Test (9HPT) for upper limb function, 25 Feet Walk Test (25FWT) for gait, and EDSS for global disability in a cohort study. Age and education level were recorded as sociodemographic factors. Results: the median EDSS was 3.5 (IQR 2.5); average SDMT score was 30.38 ± 13.54; and 9HPT speed was significantly higher for the dominant upper limb (0.3 ± 0.1 pegs/s versus 0.28 ± 0.11 pegs/s) (p = 0.016). The mental health composite score of the MSQOL-54 correlated with the SDMT, education level, and EDSS. Education level correlated with cognition and quality of life. The physical health composite score of the MSQOL-54 correlated with motor-function parameters and with SDMT. The motor-function parameters correlated well among themselves. A linear regression model found an important influence of SDMT and education level on the mental health composite score of the MSQOL-54. Although the linear regression model predicting the physical health composite score from physical disability parameters was statistically sound, none of the determinants had a significant individual influence. Conclusions: the subscores of the MSQOL-54 correlated well with the objective parameters. The strongest correlations were those with the cognitive function. Correlations with physical disability were less powerful, probably reflecting their indirect and more limited influence on quality of life compared to cognition and perception of disability.

Arsenic Methyltransferase and Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Pregnant Women Exposed to Inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water in Western Romania.

Previous studies have shown that inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure may be associated with genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between several polymorphisms in AS3MT and APOE genes and urinary As and the relationship between these polymorphisms and pregnancy loss. We determined urinary As concentrations and performed genotyping analysis in 50 cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss and 50 controls, matched to cases on gestational age. The most frequently identified AS3MT polymorphisms in both cases and controls were in rs10748835 (80% cases and 68% controls), rs3740400 (78% cases and 64% controls), rs7085104 (74% cases and 48% controls), and rs1046778 (62% cases and 54% controls). We identified 30 different haplotypes in AS3MT SNPs, with four predominant haplotypes (>8%). Cases with Haplotype 1 had four-fold higher urinary DMA and two-fold higher MMA concentration than those without this haplotype, the MMA levels were lower in cases and controls with Haplotype 4 compared to Haplotype 1, and the DMA levels were significantly lower in cases with Haplotype 4 compared to Haplotype 3. Cases with Haplotype 1 had higher levels of all analyzed biomarkers, suggesting that Haplotype 1 may be associated with greater exposure to iAs and tobacco smoke. Our results suggest the importance of the AS3MT gene in iAs metabolism among pregnant women with low-level drinking water iAs exposure.

Introducing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Romania - Preliminary Results from the Regional Pilot Programs (ROCCAS).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Screening programs can reduce CRC mortality rates by up to 60%. In line with the European Union recommendations, Romania started the first four regional pilot screening programs in 2020 (the ROCCAS II projects). This study reports the interim screening performance indicators. METHODS: People aged 50 to 74 years were invited to the screening program. General practitioners (GPs) evaluated CRC risk based on a survey. High-risk or symptomatic individuals were referred directly to colonoscopy. The average risk participants received a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Positive cases were invited to colonoscopy. Three regions were screened using the OC-SENSOR® (South-Muntenia, Bucharest-Ilfov, South-East) and one region (South-West) used the FOB GOLD®. The data was collected in the ROCCAS screening electronic registry. The following FIT parameters were evaluated: rates of return, invalidity, positivity, and colonoscopy acceptance rate according to age group, gender, region of provenience, and vulnerability status. RESULTS: We included all cases screened between January 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. In total, 168,958 people received the FIT test within the projects. The global FIT return rate was 90%. Factors associated with a higher return rate were female gender (90.77% vs 88.83%, p<0.0001), vulnerable status (91.23% vs 88.83%; p<0.00001), and rural residence (91.84% vs 88.42%, p<0.00001). The overall positivity rate was 5.75%. It was higher in males (7.64% vs 4.57% in females, p<0.00001) and progressively increased with the age group. The total invalid FIT rate was 5.87%, significantly lower for OC-SENSOR® (2.24%) than for the FOB GOLD® (13.6%). The overall acceptability rate for colonoscopy was 51.3%. CONCLUSIONS: According to our preliminary data, GP's participation in the pilot programs ensured adequate adherence to screening through FIT. The rate for FIT return and positivity were acceptable for both tests, while the invalid rate was much higher in FOB GOLD® compared to the OC-SENSOR®. Moreover, colonoscopy acceptance needs to be improved. Our preliminary analysis revealed the screening performance indicators meet the EU recommendations and fulfill the premises for national-level expansion of the program starting in 2024.

A review of the genus Pachymerium C. L. Koch, 1847 (Geophilomorpha: Geophilidae) from Romania.

Based on the review of the original descriptions of Pachymerium antipai Cpue, 1968, P. atticum Verhoeff, 1901 and P. tabacarui Cpue, 1968 from Romania and the direct study of the external anatomy of P. ferrugineum (C. L. Koch, 1835) and Geophilus flavus (De Geer, 1778) from Romania, Egypt, Italy and Russia, P. antipai and P. aticum sensu Cpue (1968) are proposed as junior subjective synonyms of P. ferrugineum, while P. tabacarui is proposed as a junior subjective synonym of G. flavus. The presence of P. atticum in Romania is hereby considered doubtful. Revisions to the diagnosis of Pachymerium are proposed to help differentiate it from other geophilid genera. A discussion of the relative suitability of different morphological characters for distinguishing species within Pachymerium is also included.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination in Romania, post pandemic lessons in healthcare workers and general population.

BACKGROUND: Influenza and corona viruses generate vaccine preventable diseases and have pandemic potential, frequently dramatic. A co-infection with these viruses, may be a new worldwide threat, researchers name it flurona. The aim of our study is to assess flu and COVID-19 Romanian vaccination for 2022-2023 season and the factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used. RESULTS: 1056 responders were analyzed, mean age 32.08 ±13.36 years (limits:18-76), majority, 880 (83.33%), from urban areas, 608 (57.58%), high school graduated, 400 (37.88%) parents. More than half of the responders were healthcare workers, 582 (55.11%), also considered study population. In the study group, 796 (73.37%) responders consider flurona vaccination useful; and 872 (82.57%) responders consider that no sanctions are needed for not flurona vaccinating. In the 2022-2023 season, 162 (15.34%) responders vaccinated against the flu and 300 (28.41%) against COVID-19. The factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine was the habit of flu vaccination: for flu (OR = 58.43; 95% CI: (34.95-97.67)) and for COVID-19 (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.21-2.31)). Other factors such as having university degree (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.08-1.98)) and being a healthcare worker, (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: (1.07-1.87)) were influencing factors only for adult COVID-19 vaccination in the 2022-2023 season. In the parents' group, in 2022-2023 season, only 48 (12%) vaccinated their children against the flu and 68 (17%) against COVID-19, mostly parents that vaccinated themselves, p<0.001. In the 2022-2023 season, there were only 82 (7.65%) responders vaccinated against both diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that no factor analyzed influenced the flurona vaccinated parent's decision to vaccinate their children for flu and for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In the season 2022-2023, in Romania, the vaccination against flu and COVOD-19 is low, in adults and children as well. More efforts must be done to increase flurona vaccination, public health educational programs are strongly needed. Children, that are at greater risk when co-infecting with these viruses, must be vaccinated, school vaccination programs should be considered.

Genetic Characterization of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Romanian Adult Patients.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a group of disorders affecting the structure and function of the heart muscle, leading to a high risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD). DCM frequently involves an underlying genetic etiology. Genetic testing is valuable for risk stratification, treatment decisions, and family screening. Romanian population data on the genetic etiology of DCM are lacking. We aimed to investigate the genetic causes for DCM among Romanian adult patients at tertiary referral centers across the country. Clinical and genetic investigations were performed on adult patients presenting to tertiary hospitals in Romania. The genetic investigations used next-generation sequencing panels of disease-associated DCM genes. A total of 122 patients with DCM underwent genetic testing. The mean age at DCM diagnosis was 41.6 ± 12.4 years. The genetic investigations identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 50.8% of participants, while 25.4% had variants of unknown significance. Disease-causing variants in 15 genes were identified in people with DCM, with 31 previously unreported variants. Variants in TTN, LMNA, and DSP explained 75% of genetic causes for DCM. In total, 52.4% of patients had a family history of DCM/SCD. Left ventricular ejection fraction of <35% was observed in 41.9% of patients with disease-causing variants and 55% with negative or uncertain findings. Further genotype-phenotype correlations were explored in this study population. The substantial percentage (50.8%) of disease-causing variants identified in patients with DCM acknowledges the importance of genetic investigations. This study highlights the genetic landscape in genes associated with DCM in the Romanian population.

Immunogenetic Background of Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Romanian Patients-Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The implications of the genetic component in the initiation and development of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders have been the subject of intense research efforts. Some of the most important genes involved in the occurrence and evolution of these pathologies are the HLA genes. The aim of this study is to analyze, for the first time, possible associations between chronic lymphoproliferative diseases and certain HLA alleles in the Romanian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 38 patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, diagnosed between 2021 and 2022 at Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, and 50 healthy controls. HLA class I and class II genes (HLA-A/B/C, HLA-DQB1/DPB1/DRB1) were investigated by doing high resolution genotyping using sequence specific primers (SSP). RESULTS: Several HLA alleles were strongly associated with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. The most important finding was that the HLA-C*02:02 (p = 0.002, OR = 1.101), and HLA-C*12:02 (p = 0.002, OR = 1.101) have a predisposing role in the development of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we identified that HLA-A*11:01 (p = 0.01, OR = 0.16), HLA-B*35:02 (p = 0.037, OR = 0.94), HLA-B*81:01 (p = 0.037, OR = 0.94), HLA-C*07:02 (p = 0.036, OR = 0.34), HLA-DRB1*11:01 (p = 0.021, OR = 0.19), and HLA-DRB1*13:02 (p = 0.037, OR = 0.94), alleles have protective roles. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that HLA-C*02:02 and HLA-C*12:02 are positively associated with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders for our Romanian patients while HLA-DRB1*11:01, HLA-DRB1*13:02, and HLA-B*35:02 alleles have a protective role against these diseases.

HLA Gene Polymorphisms in Romanian Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Materials and Methods: This study included 66 patients with CLL, diagnosed between 2020 and 2022, and 100 healthy controls. HLA class I and class II genes (HLA-A/B/C, HLA-DQA1/DQB1/DPA1/DPB1, and HLA-DRB1/3/4/5) were investigated using next-generation sequencing technology. Results: Several HLA alleles were strongly associated with CLL. The most important finding was that HLA-DRB1∗04:02:01 (p=0.001, OR = 1.05) and HLA-DRB3∗02:01:01 (p=0.009, OR = 1.03) have a predisposing role in CLL development. Moreover, we identified that HLA-A∗24:02:01 0.01 (p=0.01, OR = 0.38), HLA-DQA1∗05:05:01 (p=0.01, OR = 0.56), HLA-DQB1∗03:02:01 (p=0.03, OR = 0.40), and HLA-DRB4∗01:03:01 (p=0.03, OR = 0.54 alleles have protective roles. Correlations between HLA expression and gender showed that women had a higher expression of protective HLA alleles when compared to men. Conclusions: Our data are the first to indicate that in Romanian patients with CLL, the HLA-A∗24:02:01 and HLA-DQA1∗05:05:01 alleles have a protective role against CLL development, whereas HLA-DRB1∗04:02:01 and HLA-DRB3∗02:01:01alleles are positively associated with CLL.

Emotional, coping factors and personality traits that influenced alcohol consumption in Romanian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, after 3 months from the installation of the state of emergency on the territory of Romania, data were collected from 677 students and master's students, to explore the problematic alcohol consumption (AC). METHODS: The evaluation was done with: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Strategic Coping Approach Scale and The Freiburg Personality Inventory. The statistical methods used were linear regression with bootstrap procedure, Spearman's rank correlation, and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: More than half were affected by depression or anxiety of moderate to extremely severe intensity. The prevalence of problematic alcohol consumption was low: (Hazardous and Extremely Hazardous (2.3) and Medium Risk (10.2). Early onset increases the subsequent risk of problematic AC, compared to women, men recorded a higher AC (p <.01). Anxiety, antisocial action, personality traits Aggressiveness and Somatic complaints had the effect of increasing the alcohol consumption score (p <.01). Significant but weak positive correlations between AC on one hand, and depression, anxiety, stress and antisocial action on the other hand were found (p <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Probably the prevalence of AC was low as a result of the fact that most respondents were studying in the field of health promotion and as a result of the closure of entertainment venues. This study advocates for the education of youngsters to clearly express their opinions without violating the boundaries of others' feelings (assertive action) and to act prudently in dangerous or uncertain situations (cautious action) since these coping mechanisms were not associated with problematic alcohol consumption. The promotion of positive, achievement-oriented, life attitudes is equally important, as these characteristics of the Life Satisfaction personality dimensions were also found as non-determinants of alcohol-induced problems. The association of problematic AC with antisocial actions as a coping mechanism and high scores on Aggressiveness calls for interventions to educate the younger generation how to acquire and adopt healthy mechanisms to control tensions without resorting to alcohol consumption, more so as the two variables reinforce each other. Drinking as a means of gaining courage must be carefully reconsidered since anxiety generally hits back, often in increased levels.

Intensive pasture management alters the composition and structure of plant-pollinator interactions in Sibiu, Romania.

Background: Land management change towards intensive grazing has been shown to alter plant and pollinator communities and the structure of plant-pollinator interactions in different ways across the world. Land-use intensification in Eastern Europe is shifting highly diverse, traditionally managed hay meadows towards intensive pastures, but few studies have examined how this influences plant-pollinator networks. We hypothesized that the effects of intensive grazing on networks will depend on how plant communities and their floral traits change. Methods: We investigated plant and pollinator diversity and composition and the structure of plant-pollinator interactions near Sibiu, Romania at sites that were traditionally managed as hay meadows or intensive pastures. We quantified the identity and abundance of flowering plants, and used transect walks to observe pollinator genera interacting with flowering plant species. We evaluated the effects of management on diversity, composition and several indices of network structure. Results: Pollinator but not plant diversity declined in pastures and both plant and pollinator taxonomic composition shifted. Functional diversity and composition remained unchanged, with rather specialized flowers having been found to dominate in both hay meadows and pastures. Apis mellifera was found to be the most abundant pollinator. Its foraging preferences played a crucial role in shaping plant-pollinator network structure. Apis mellifera thus preferred the highly abundant Dorycnium herbaceum in hay meadows, leading to hay meadows networks with lower Shannon diversity and interaction evenness. In pastures, however, it preferred less abundant and more generalized flower resources. With pollinators being overall less abundant and more generalized in pastures, we found that niche overlap between plants was higher. Discussion: With both hay meadows and pastures being dominated by plant species with similar floral traits, shifts in pollinator preferences seem to have driven the observed changes in plant-pollinator interaction networks. We thus conclude that the effects of grazing on pollinators and their interactions are likely to depend on the traits of plant species present in different management types as well as on the effects of grazing on plant community composition. We thereby highlight the need for better understanding how floral abundance shapes pollinator visitation rates and how floral traits may influence this relationship.