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From the beginning, there has always been radiation in the Universe. Most people are unaware of it, even though it is around us all the time, and can have many negative effects on our bodies. In the long term, it can lead to the development of various diseases. The natural background radiation includes cosmic radiation, plus radiation from radioactive elements present in the soil, atmosphere, and living organisms. A significant, measurable fraction of this is gamma radiation. Artificial radioactive isotopes can be used in a variety of applications, such as space research, sterilization, and medical diagnostic imaging. Our objective is to measure the dose equivalent rate from the gamma fraction of background radiation in Mureş county, in open and closed spaces, and in frequently visited areas. The measurements were performed with a Gamma Scout dosimeter. The measured average dose equivalent rates are 0.104 µSv/h in Târgu Mureş, 0.111 µSv/h in Reghin, 0.112 µSv/h in Sovata, 0.091 µSv/h in Tarnaveni, 0.095 µSv/h in Ludus and 0.067 µSv/h in the Upper-Mureş Nature Park. Based on the measurements, the calculated mean annual dose is 0.884 mSv/year. According to the data based on the measurements, the dose equivalent rates measured in Mureş county do not pose a risk to our health.
</abstract>

Department of Plastic Surgery,  resident physician

George Emil Palade University of Medicine

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology

Radioactive background radiation measurement in Mureş county

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Alzheimer’s disease represents one of the unsolved problems of modern medicine, which assumes a significant financial burden in the research, medical, and social fields as well. Treatments intended for preventing and slowing neurodegenerative processes are the subject of a considerable amount of research and clinical trials, but the results are still insignificant regarding the clinical applicability. Initially, we believed that slow neurodegeneration can be traced back entirely to the accumulation of β-amyloid proteins with atypical structure and behavior in certain areas of the brain. This theory was constantly supplemented by the observation of intracellularly aggregating neurofibrillary tangles and the formulation of neuroinflammatory mechanisms. In this regard Alzheimer’s disease-associated neuroinflammation is an immunological response to the presence of β-amyloid oligomers, which initially leads to microglial activation and inflammatory cytokine release. Over time, this process becomes chronic, extending to astrocytes, neurons, and brain microvascularization, and leading to functional impairment, which is clinically manifested in cognitive and memory deficits. The defined central role of neuroinflammation was overturned by the therapeutic failure of drugs with anti-inflammatory capacity. Subsequently, our knowledge was completed by the recognition of how oxidative stress and the altered brain insulin signaling influences metabolic processes, opening new perspectives for drug development. Despite this, new drug candidates are successively failing, as complex regulatory mechanisms have been identified that question the initial triggering role of the β-amyloid and the final impairing effect of the inflammation. The aim of this study is to summarize and present the biochemical and pathophysiological knowledge that contributed to the currently available more comprehensive picture and a more detailed understanding of the processes of Alzheimer’s disease. Properly planned and executed preclinical experiments are essential to establish further clinical conclusions. By the comparison of the currently used rodent models, we tried to draw attention to the complexity of animal experiments and the importance of their multi-level (behavioral, biochemical, histological) evaluation.
</abstract>

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures

Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy

Department of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry

Alzheimer’s disease beyond the amyloid accumulation

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The pharmaceutical industry is one of the fastest developing industries, and therefore, the chromatographic methods used to ensure the quality of products are constantly evolving, based on current regulatory requirements. Relevant guidelines state that a good understanding of the effects of all parameters on method performance should be predicted and controlled to ensure that test methods are safe and reliable. This quality by design-based approach is increasingly applied in chromatography. One of the pillars of this method development is the design space that results from pre-designed and systematically realized experiments, which contributes to a better understanding of the separation processes and provides flexibility and robustness to the final method. Modeling softwarewares can be used to experimental design and data evaluation, providing possibilities that empirical development does not allow, such as predicting optimal operating conditions or <italic>in silico</italic> robustness testing, to understand the separation process. This paper describes the steps of chromatographic method development according to the ICH Q14 guideline, keeping in mind the quality by design principles and taking advantage of the possibilities offered by the DryLab chromatographic modeling software. As an example, the development of an analytical method for the determination of the related substances of ezetimibe is presented, including the design of experiments, method optimization, robustness testing, validation, method specification and lifecycle management, and finally testing of the method applicability. We have demonstrated that experimental design-based retention modeling is an effective way of method development, and the <italic>in silico</italic> robustness testing is a reliable approach to identifying critical method parameters and setting up control strategies. In chromatographic method development, instead of using a rigid system based on strict and fixed rules, the understanding of separation processes offers higher flexibility. This paper aims to present and promote this new approach to those involved in chromatographic method development.
</abstract>

George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures

Department of Pharmaceutical Industry and Management

Gedeon Richter Romania, Product Development Department

Gedeon Richter Romania, Analytical Development Department

Semmelweis University, Faculty of Pharmacy

Quality by design-based method development for the determination of related substances of ezetimibe by high performance liquid chromatography

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Proper sun protection plays a key role in protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun. Using sunscreen products protects the skin from sunburn, prevents it from ageing and reduces the risk of skin cancer. The aim of this research is to measure the sun protection factor (SPF) of commercially available products and compare it with the SPF value on the packaging. We also looked at whether the ratio and combination of sunscreen ingredients affect the effectiveness of the product. The SPF values of eight sun-screen products were tested. The value was determined using an in vitro method based on absorbance measurements with a UV spectrophotometer. Based on the results obtained, the actual SPF values of the products were calculated using Mansur’s formula. The SPF values we determined differed by 46.82% on average from the values indicated on the packaging of the sunscreen products. For those products where the SPF value on the packaging was higher (SPF 50), a larger deviation from the measured values was observed, but some deviation was observed for all products tested. However, the combination and proportion of substances in the products did not influence the differences obtained.
</abstract>

Determination of the sun protection factor of sunscreens

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Introduction: Diseases related to the elderly, including osteoporosis and the resulting fractures have a high incidence and are characterized by a high risk of early death. Most hip fractures are treated surgically. Its cost projections vary widely depending on the region, the level of institutional care, and the surgical solutions used.
Material and method: We performed a retrospective study using hospital data from 2018-2019. The study included patients whose main diagnosis was: S72.0 - femoral neck fracture, S72.1 - pertrochanteric fracture, S72.2 - subtrochanteric fracture. We used hospital data from seven Romanian counties, Arad, Arges, Bucharest, Szilágy, Temes, Tulcea and Vaslui.
Results: Women were significantly more affected (68.3%) than men, however the risk of mortality was 1.7 times higher among men. The average age was 77.2 years, 86% of the patients were over 65 years old. Most patients (69.3% ) were urban residents, but they were also characterized by a higher LOS and mortality.
Discussion: Fracture types, gender distribution and correlation with urbanization of the fractures are consistent with international epidemiological data. Regression analysis shows a significant correlation between the length of hospital stay and the following variables: gender, environment, age, diagnosis, type of hospital and death. Regarding the average time of hospital stay, the shortest duration of hospitalization was in Vaslui and Tulcea (9.59 and 9.79 days), while the longest (13.42 and 14.61 days) were in Arad and Arges counties.
Conclusions: On average, the patient hospitalization time in the examined counties is higher (13 days) than the Romanian average (11 days). Mortality is significantly higher among men, urban residents and those who suffer subtrochanteric fractures. Regarding the costs per patient of fractures, it can be said that Arad is the most economical, while Salaj county is the least cost-effective.
</abstract>

Correlations of hospital length of stay and mortality with the osteoporotic hip-fracture type, treatment, the sociodemographic and hospital variables

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Background: Based on cross-sectional studies, there is a link between body composition parameters and steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether long-term changes in different body composition parameters will result in NAFLD resolution is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the literature on longitudinal studies evaluating the association between NAFLD resolution and body composition change.
Methods: Based on the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook, we performed a systematic search on September 26th, 2021, in four databases: Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Eligible studies reported on patients with NAFLD (liver fat >5%) and examined the correlation between body composition improvement and a decrease in steatosis. We did not have pre-defined body composition or steatosis measurement criteria. Next, we calculated pooled correlation coefficient (r) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: We identified 15 eligible studies, of which 5 five studies were included in our quantitative synthesis. Based on two studies with 85 patients, we found a pooled correlation coefficient of r=0.49 (CI: 0.22-0.69, Spearman’s correlation) between the change of visceral adipose tissue and liver steatosis. Similarly, based on three studies with 175 patients, the correlation was r=0.33 (CI: 0.19-0.46, Pearson’s correlation). On the other hand, based on two studies with 163 patients, the correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue change and liver steatosis change was r=0.42 (CI: 0.29-0.54, Pearson’s correlation).
Conclusion: Based on the included studies, body composition improvement is associated with a decrease in liver fat content in NAFLD.
</abstract>

Improved body composition is associated with reduced steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

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In our series, we have commemorated a number of Transylvanian-born scientists who have made a mark in the field of chemical and pharmaceutical sciences. One of them was Vilmos Hankó (1854-1923), born in Parajd, who had a unique career. He graduated as a chemistry teacher and received his doctorate from the University of Cluj-Napoca. His activities were extremely rich and varied. After Déva, he was a teacher and then director of one of the most famous high schools of Budapest for 36 years. In addition to his teaching activities, he has made significant contributions to the analysis and description of natural treasures (minerals, mineral waters) and to the modernization of science. He is the author of numerous books and has a very rich publication, textbook and editorial output. He was elected a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in recognition of his work. He died 100 years ago in Budapest.
</abstract>

Ĝeorge Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures

Famous Hungarian naturalists of Transylvanian origin: course of life of Vilmos Hankó – from Parajd to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

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The aim of this study is to investigate the phytochemistry of two food and herb plants that are commonly consumed. They are the beetroot and the celery, which are commercially known and have been grown for a long time in our country and in Europe. The beetroot (<italic>Beta vulgaris var. rubra</italic>) belongs taxonomically to the order Magnoliopsida, family Amaranthaceae, subfamily Chenopodiaceae, within which it is a member of the subgenus Beta. Celery (<italic>Apium graveolens var. dulce</italic>) is a plant of the order Magnoliopsida, Apiales, and of the family Apiaceae. Beetroot is one of the vegetables that owes its antioxidant activity partly to its phenolic components. The active substances include various vitamins, minerals, phenolic components, anthocyanins, fibers, carotenoids, ascorbic acid. Celery stalks contain phenolic components, furanocoumarins, and essential oils. The widespread use of celery stalk is due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, antifungal and serum lipid-lowering properties. It is also used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Beetroot and celery stalk were used to prepare methanolic, ethanolic (50%) and aqueous extracts. For the determination of total polyphenols, ethanol (50%) proved to be the better solvent for both beetroot and celery. The total polyphenol content of beetroot was significantly lower than that of celery. In the determination of flavonoids in celery, the highest concentrations were obtained in the aqueous extracts. When anthocyanin concentrations were determined in cooked and raw beetroot, almost identical but surprisingly low concentrations were obtained. In case of the ABTS method used for antioxidant measurements, ethanolic extracts (50%) are the best free radical scavengers for beetroot, while methanolic extract of frozen stem part is the most effective in case of celery.
</abstract>

Phytochemical study of food plants

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Alexander Fleming, the Scottish bacteriologist, discovered penicillin 95 years ago, which has been an important drug used in the therapy of bacterial infections for eight decades. This event can be interpreted as one of the greatest scientific achievements of the 20th century. The significance of this life-saving medicine is often reflected in various artworks. The portrait of the discoverer as well as the illustration of Penicillium mould is frequently met on postage stamps.Mycophilately is a distinct area in the thematic collection of stamps, with increasing interest, encompassing the collection of stamps that illustrate fungi. Stamps with penicillin-related themes can be utilized as resources to study the cultural history of penicillin.The purpose of this paper is to present the illustration of this significant scientific discovery on postage stamps.
</abstract>

Penicillin and mycophilately

Volume 95 (2022): Issue 1 (July 2022)

Volume 94 (2021): Issue 2 (December 2021)

Volume 94 (2021): Issue 1 (July 2021)

Volume 93 (2020): Issue 2 (December 2020)

Volume 93 (2020): Issue 1 (July 2020)

Volume 92 (2019): Issue 2 (December 2019)

Volume 92 (2019): Issue 1 (July 2019)

Volume 91 (2018): Issue 2 (December 2018)

Volume 91 (2018): Issue 1 (July 2018)

Bulletin of Medical Sciences

 Why subscribe and read One of the few and last medical journal in the region that is published in Hungarian language with a long history looking back into the second half of the 19th century.The journal was established in 1876 with continous appearance until 1962 when due to the establishment of the totalitarian communist regime it was banned.It continuead to publish medical articles after the fall of the communist regime after 1990 and is serving medical professionals ever since.  Why submit Our journal offers fast and accurate peer-review process. Articles ar published in Hungaran language including an English abstract.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 