Epidemiological review of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in Romania.

Infections by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are widely prevalent in humans and other animals worldwide. However, information from eastern European countries is sketchy. In many eastern European countries, including Romania, it has been assumed that chronic T. gondii infection is a common cause of infertility and abortion. For this reason, many women in Romania with these problems were needlessly tested for T. gondii infection. Most papers on toxoplasmosis in Romania were published in Romanian in local journals and often not available to scientists in other countries. Currently, the rate of congenital infection in Romania is largely unknown. In addition, there is little information on genetic characteristics of T. gondii or prevalence in animals and humans in Romania. In the present paper we review prevalence, clinical spectrum and epidemiology of T. gondii in humans and animals in Romania. This knowledge should be useful to biologists, public health workers, veterinarians and physicians.

Perianal giant condyloma acuminatum (Buschke-Löwenstein tumor). Case report and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Giant condyloma acuminatum, also known as Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is a very rare sexually transmitted disease that affects the ano-genital region. BLT is a slow growing cauliflower-like tumor, but unlike simple condyloma, it is locally aggressive and destructive, malignant transformation occuring in 40-60% of cases. We present a case of perianal carcinomatous BLT and discuss some controversies about the nature and treatment of this disease. Our aim is to emphasize some basic points in the management of giant perianal condyloma acuminatum. CONCLUSIONS: The patient with BLT must be very carefully clinical and imagistic investigated in order to detect the tumor visceral invasion and to establish the extension of the surgical procedure. Wide perineal excision with histopathological margins control is the best surgical choice if the anal canal is not involved. The radical pelvic surgery is indicated only in patients with provable visceral invasion. Excision is mandatory even in very small condilomas to prevent BLT later development.

Effects of intranasal phototherapy on nasal mucosa in patients with allergic rhinitis.

RATIONALE: Rhinophototherapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Considering that phototherapy with ultraviolet light (UV) induces DNA damage, it is of outstanding importance to evaluate the damage and repair process in human nasal mucosa. METHODS: We have investigated eight patients undergoing intranasal phototherapy using a modified Comet assay technique and by staining nasal cytology samples for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), which are UV specific photoproducts. RESULTS: Immediately after last treatment Comet assay of nasal cytology samples showed a significant increase in DNA damage compared to baseline. Ten days after the last irradiation a significant decrease in DNA damage was observed compared to data obtained immediately after finishing the treatment protocol. Difference between baseline and 10 days after last treatment was not statistically significant. Two months after ending therapy, DNA damage detected by Comet assay in patients treated with intranasal phototherapy was similar with that of healthy individuals. None of the samples collected before starting intranasal phototherapy stained positive for CPDs. In all samples collected immediately after last treatment strong positive staining for CPDs was detected. The number of positive cells significantly decreased 10 days after last treatment, but residual positive staining was present in all the examined samples. This finding is consistent with data reported in skin samples after UV irradiation. Cytology samples examined two months after ending therapy contained no CPD positive cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that UV damage induced by intranasal phototherapy is efficiently repaired in nasal mucosa.

Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: importance of immunoglobulin G avidity test.

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity test has proved to be a highly useful test in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, especially in combination with conventional serological assays. Acute infections at the time of gestation predispose the offspring to the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis. The IgG avidity test was developed to differentiate between recent and more distant infection; this method is valuable in the situation in which a single serum sample is obtained in the first trimester of pregnancy. This paper describes the utility of IgG avidity test during pregnancy, and its role in ruling out, by a high avidity, a recently acquired infection. Testing for specific IgG avidity has been reported to be useful for confirmatory testing in patients who have positive IgG and IgM antibodies.

Chrysin attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and loss of intermediate filaments in a mouse model of mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity.

Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavonoid and is present in high concentration in honey, propolis and many plant extracts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of CHR to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and loss of intermediate filaments in a mouse model of mitoxantrone cardiotoxicity. Morphology of the cardiomyocytes was determined by optic and transmission electron microscopy and biochemistry methods. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were assessed by immunofluorecence. Tunel assay was used to assess apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. In addition, the distribution of desmin protein was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Our results show that MTX treatment significantly increased serum levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), indicator of cardiac injury and withdrawn under CHR protection. Expression levels of Bcl-2 decreased, while those of Bax and caspase-3 increased following MTX treatment. 50 mg/kg of daily CHR intake reduced Bax and caspase-3 immunopositivity and restored Bcl-2 levels to a value comparable to the control. TUNEL (+) cardiomyocyte nuclei of MTX group showed typical signs of apoptosis which almost completely disappeared in response to 50 mg/kg CHR treatment. In parallel, an irregular distribution and a weak expression of desmin is associated with MTX induced cardiotoxic effects which was also restored by CHR treatment. In conclusion chrysin inhibits MTX-triggered cardiomyocyte apoptosis via multiple pathways, including decrease of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 expression along with preservation of the desmin disarray.

[Acute surgical abdomen produced by an abdominalized infected gigantic hydatid cyst]. / Abdomen acut chirurgical produs de un chist hidatic hepatic gigant infectat abdominalizat.

We report the case of a 47 year old female patient, transferred urgently to our clinic with suspicion of a broken liver hydatid cyst, with acute, generalized peritonitis. Intraoperative we found a gigantic liver hydatid cyst, surrounding the liver with a massive abdominal extension till the Douglas's bottom sack, adhesive to the parietal and visceral peritoneum. There are presented particular aspects concerning the uncertainties that happened in positive diagnosis establish, the disease evolution, as well as the difficulties of surgical conduct in this case.

[Alcohol consumption--risk behavior in institutionalized teenagers of a Lugoj investment center]. / Consumul de alcool--comportament cu risc la adolescentii institutionalizati într-un centru de plasament din orasul Lugoj.

UNLABELLED: In the performed study we investigated alcohol consumption--a frequent risk behavior that occurs in teenagers. The institutionalization of children from disturbed family could be a facilitator factor for alcohol consumption. A new group with different habits of the members is created and the information exchange could be useful or noxious. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A transversal inquiry, with CORT (Comportamente cu Risc la Tineri--Risk Behaviors in Young People) questionnaire applying in a sample with 64 teenagers, which live in an Investment Center from Lugoj. We selected 16 items referring to alcohol consumption and the social environment. RESULTS: Obtained results showed frequent alcohol consumption in the social environment (group of friends--85% and disorganized family--debut of alcohol consumption under 8 years in boys group). The places of alcohol consumption are bars, restaurants (73% boys), in the Investment Center (59% boys and 29% girls), in the friends' houses, on the street. They consume alcohol in group and alone. The boys became drunk frequent (20% affirmed that became drunk more than 40 times in the last month). Discontent about relation inside the group increases the alcohol consumption outside the group. CONCLUSION: The alcohol consumption as a learned behavior in the origin disorganized family could be disseminated in the Centers for Children Protection.

[Risk factors of dental decay--sweet and acid food consumption]. / Factori de risc în aparitia cariei dentare--consumul de dulciuri si bauturi acidulate.

UNLABELLED: In the performed study we investigated the main risk factors in dental decay occurring. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The method was a transversal inquiry, with a specific questionnaire applying and registration of the patients' data in 10 dental selected offices, from TimiSoara, during the year 2005. The material of study consisted in a sample of 60 patients with dental decay, homogenous and statistical representative, which were diagnosed and treated in the dental offices. RESULTS: The obtained results pointed out the following aspects: predominant age group of dental decay was 15-20 years; in the first 7 years of life 90% of patients did not receive medication for dental decay prophylaxis; 23% patients consumed daily sweet food and 46% consumed acid food; 66% patients performed daily and twice per day oral hygiene. The average of index DMF (Decay Missing Filled) increased proportionally with the frequency and type of sweet food consumption (DMF was 40% for daily consumption and 42% for chocolate and other sticky sweets, respectively). Acid juices consumption was associated with increased DMF (40%). For a decreased DMF (11%) an oral hygiene of 3 times per day is necessary. CONCLUSION: Sweet, acid food consumption and improper dental hygiene are related with DMF index.

[Nosocomial infections--study about the implementation level of preventive measures in the dental office]. / Infectiile nosocomiale--studiu asupra nivelului de implementare a masurilor profilactice in cabinetul stomatologic.

Nosocomial infection occurs in the hospital and other medical offices and expresses any disease, that affects the patient due to hospital admission or the received care, the activity of the medical personnel, no matter that symptoms appear or not in the hospital or outside. In the performed study we proposed to investigate the implementation level of the measures of nosocomial infections prophylaxis in dental office. The study consisted in a transversal epidemiologic inquiry through a specific questionnaire applying in a sample of 50 patients treated for dental diseases in the dental office. The items refer to the implementation level of the prophylaxis measures in the dental office. The obtained results revealed a proper patients' addressing at dental office and some deficiencies of the personnel medical activity in dental office, such as : does not wear the surgery gloves and mask, does not use the salvo vacuum for patients protection. Also, we find out a deficient medical education referring to hygiene conditions in dental office. In conclusion, there are deficiencies of the prophylaxis measures in dental office.

[Nutrition in preschool children from Baile-Herculane]. / Alimentatia la copiii prescolari din Baile Herculane.

In the effected study we investigated the feeding quality in Baile-Herculane, during the period 2003-2004. The study was realised in two samples consisted in 659 preschool children (55% girls and 45% boys) and 359 children (65% girls and 35% boys) respectively, homogenous and statistical representative. The method consisted in feeding investigation using based on food lists consulting, effected 2 times in a year, in the winter season (November) and in the spring season (April). The inquiry period was 10 days consequently, in each season. We had established the nutritive value of feeding portions in two months (November and April), counted the average of the nutritive ration for the both investigated periods and compared them with nutritional necessity established for the same age group. We investigated the menu structure and diversity. In the first period of feeding investigation (November 2000) we established a decreased intake of foods which determine a small intake of calories, proteins, minerals and vitamins under the nutritional necessities. In April the nutritive value of the consumed food was less than in November. The decreased consumption of milk, cheese, eggs, vegetables and fruits determined a less intake of calories, fats, minerals and vitamins than nutritional necessities. The increased intake of bread, cereals and meat caused increased values of carbohydrates, vitamin B1 and iron. The menu was divided in two meals and a snack (breakfast - 15%, snack - 15%, lunch 50%). The menu variation and courses' succession were in line with the hygienic-sanitation rules.

[Distribution areas of food-borne diseases in Timisoara county, in the period 2002-2003]. / Distributia pe zone a toxiinfectilor alimentare în municipiul Timisoara, în perioada 2002-2003.

In the study we wanted to reveal the distribution of the food borne diseases in Timisoara county, in the period of time 2002-2003. As material we used a sample formed from 142 patients with admissions in the "Victor Babes" Infectious Diseases Hospital Timisoara, Romania, and the method, epidemiological longitudinal descriptive inquiry, consisted in data registration of the primary evidences (observation files) of the patients. The obtained results revealed: the greater incidence of the food borne diseases in male than female sex; the highest incidence at the age group 15-44 years; the main causal agent as Salmonella group D followed by group B; the greatest frequencies of the food borne diseases in the areas Lipova, Circumvalatiunii and Students Complex of Timisoara. As conclusion, it can be affirmed that food borne diseases are a problem for Timisoara, and for the most cases the causal agent has not been identified.