<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Pier abutment is defined as a freestanding abutment with edentulous space on both sides. This case report described the rehabilitation of a patient who presented to the department with the primary complaint of missing teeth and difficulty in mastication. Intraoral examination revealed missing right maxillary canine and the second premolar, with the lone standing first premolar acting as a pier abutment. To reduce the stress transferred to the abutment and prosthetic assembly, a non-rigid (Tenon-mortise) connector was used in the case, with a keyway (mortise) distal to the pier abutment and a key (Tenon) mesial to the distal pontic.
</abstract>

Pier abutment: Bridge the gap with non rigid connector - A clinical case report

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>From its discovery in the 1980s, Polymerase chain reaction was further developed and is nowadays used as the foundation for the various PCR-based techniques used in molecular diagnosis across different species, and numerous types of samples. Real-Time PCR enables the user to monitor the amplification of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or complementary DNA (cDNA) target during the PCR run, in real-time, and not at the end, as it is the case in conventional PCR. The most frequent types of applications include gene expression analysis, gene silencing, variant analysis, and fusion temperature analysis. Given its vast field of application, a key question remains, and it is related to the controls (negative controls, positive controls, internal exogenous and endogenous controls) and their purpose in a Real-Time PCR experiment. In this paper, we set out to find how and when to use them, and which type of controls are suitable for certain experiment types, since the use of appropriate controls during Real-Time PCR experiments will reduce the effects of variables aside from the independent variable within the sample, therefore yielding accurate results, be it in research or diagnostic purposes.</abstract>

Controls in Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Based Techniques

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Incisional hernias are important complications of abdominal surgery. Normally they are followed by the growth of the hernia sac and an increase of the abdominal wall defect with loss of domain of the herniated organs. Case report: We report a case of a 51 year old female, admitted in the 1st Surgical Clinic of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș with a large median reducible incisional hernia and a wall defect of 10/12 cm. The abdominoplasty was performed using the Oscar Ramirez technique, which consists of a longitudinal incision along the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, at approximately 1-2 cm from the external edge of the rectus abdominis. This procedure allows the abdominal wall closure. This case is part of a lot of 4 patients who received this treatment using the aforementioned procedure in the past 2 months. Postoperative recovery was favorable, bowel movements were present on the second day after the surgery, the subcutaneous drains were shortened on the fifth day and removed on the sixth. There were no immediate postoperative complications or up to a month after the surgery. The patient was discharged on the seventh day. Conclusions: This technique can be used alone in case of large abdominal wall defects, or prequeling an on-lay mesh procedure addressed to a weak abdominal wall, case in which the functional result is superior to a substitutional mesh.</abstract>

The Oscar Ramirez Procedure, a Solution for Treating Incisional Hernias with Big Abdominal Wall Defect

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Patient positioning is a crucial step in neurosurgical interventions This is the responsibility of both the neurosurgeon and the anesthesiologist. Patient safety, surgeon’s comfort, choosing an optimal trajectory to the lesion, reducing brain tension by facilitating venous drainage, using gravitation to maintain the lesion exposed and dynamic retraction represent general rules for correct positioning. All bony prominences must be protected by silicone padding. The head can be positioned using a horseshoe headrest or three pin skull clamp, following the general principles: avoiding elevating the head above heart more than 30 degrees, avoiding turning the head to one side more than 30 degrees and maintaining 2 to 3 finger breaths between chin and sternum. Serious complications can occur if the patient is not properly positioned so this is why great care must be paid during this step of the surgical act.</abstract>

Patient Positioning in Neurosurgery, Principles and Complications

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Objective: Methanol appears in relatively high concentrations in alcoholic beverages obtained from fermented fruits distillates. These products are traditionally home made in many regions in Romania and other EU countries. The chronic use of products with high methanol concentration can be considered a health risk. The purpose of this work was to measure methanol concentration in a Romanian region where brandy-type alcoholic products are made from different fruits (plum, apple, pear, grapes), and to observe if there is a type of product that contains more methanol than the others. Methods: The content of methanol in the tested alcoholic beverages was determined using a gas chromatographic method. Results: Only 18% of the tested 56 samples met UE regulation regarding methanol content of alcoholic beverages (0.4% in alcoholic drinks containing 40% ethanol). The highest concentration of 2.39% was found in a plum brandy. Plum brandies contained significantly higher amounts of methanol than brandies made from other fruits (0.91 vs 0.52%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Home distilled alcoholic beverages obtained from fruits are a health threat due to their high methanol content. Strict regulations and tests should be introduced for such products</abstract>

A Survey on the Methanol Content of Home Distilled Alcoholic Beverages in Transylvania (Romania)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Objective</bold>: Analgesic medicines containing combinations of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and codeine are available without prescription. Codeine, in these combinations can not be used recreationally due to the high toxicity profile of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, methods for extracting codeine from these types of medication are available on the internet. The purpose of this work is to evaluate if codeine can be extracted from codeine containing analgesics sold without prescription.<bold>Methods</bold>: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection was used to measure the amounts of codeine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs recovered after applying an extraction method described on the internet.<bold>Results</bold>: The results show that codeine can be very easily separated from NSAID as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen using the cold water extraction method. However, very large differences (20 to 90%) were recorded for the recovery of codeine depending on the OTC product that was used. That large difference increases the risk of potentially lethal overdoses when the user switches between “similar” products.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: Our work shows that analgesic medication with codeine content can be recreationally used after the extraction of codeine. In order to prevent this, the sell of this type of products should be regulated or products that do not allow the extraction of codeine should be developed.</abstract>

Could Codeine Containing OTC Analgesics Sold in Romania be Used as Recreational Drugs?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a discipline within the field of computer science that encompasses the development and utilization of machines capable of emulating human behavior, particularly regarding the astute examination and interpretation of data. AI operates through the utilization of specialized algorithms, and it includes techniques such as deep (DL), and machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP). As a result, AI has found its application in the study of pharmaceutical chemistry and healthcare. The AI models employed encompass a spectrum of methodologies, including unsupervised clustering techniques applied to drugs or patients to discern potential drug compounds or appropriate patient cohorts. Additionally, supervised ML methodologies are utilized to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic drug monitoring. Further, AI-aided prediction of the clinical outcomes of clinical trials can improve efficiency by prioritizing therapeutic intervention that are likely to succeed, hence benefiting the patient. AI may also help create personalized treatments by locating potential intervention targets and assessing their efficacy. Hence, this review provides insights into recent advances in the application of AI and different tools used in the field of pharmaceutical medicine.
</abstract>

Smart science: How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing pharmaceutical medicine

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Sepsis is still one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, being the third most common cause of maternal death, after hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders. Maternal sepsis may appear due to obstetric causes such as: chorioamnionitis, endometritis, abortion-related uterine infections, and wound infections. For non-obstetric causes of maternal sepsis, the most common are urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections. This mini summary presents the challenges in early diagnosis and prompt management, caused by pregnancy physiological changes. Physiological alterations during pregnancy, like an increase in white cell count, heart rate, and respiratory rate, associated with a decrease in blood pressure are also known signs of infection, making the diagnosis of sepsis during pregnancy more difficult. The three pillars of sepsis treatment are early antibiotics, vital organ support and fluid therapy, the last one being controversial. A more restrictive approach for fluid resuscitation could be more suitable for pregnant women, considering the risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Criteria for early recognition and appropriate management customized for maternal sepsis are mandatory.
</abstract>

Maternal sepsis - challenges in diagnosis and management: A mini-summary of the literature

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective:</title>
The main objective of the present study was to characterize the extracts obtained from the bark of three oak species in order to assess their use in potential cosmetic products.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods:</title>
The extracts were obtained from the oak barks (periderm and rhytidome) using ultrasound-assisted extraction. The total polyphenolic content was assessed afterward, using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, while the antioxidant capacity was determined using methods based on the neutralization of the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals. To assess the tyrosinase inhibitory effect, a protocol using L–DOPA as the substrate of the enzyme was employed.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results:</title>
The extracts presented high levels of polyphenolic compounds, with Q. cerris having the highest content. Because of the high concentration of the extracts in polyphenolic compounds, they revealed a great reducing capacity against both DPPH and ABTS radicals, but unfortunately the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the tested extracts was very weak compared to the positive control.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions:</title>
The extracts may have beneficial effects when used in cosmetic products because of the antioxidant effects, but more studies must be conducted for the determination of the main phytochemical compounds comprised in the extracts and their correlation to the biological effects.
</sec>
</abstract>

Biological profiles of <italic>Q. cerris</italic>, <italic>Q. dalechampii</italic>, and <italic>Q. robur</italic> bark extracts: A characterization study

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective:</title>
Obesity is defined as the abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat. Enlargement of white adipose tissue due to obesity activates the sympathetic nervous system to stimulate lipolysis to break down fat extensively. This causes a lot of free fatty acids to circulate in the body. Excessive circulating free fatty acids affect many cells and produce oxidative stress, which spreads throughout the body. This research purpose is to determine the anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of B. pandurata rhizome (EEBP).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods:</title>
Fingerroot rhizomes were extracted using maceration and the extract was used for in vivo, antioxidant, and total flavonoid concentration tests. Anti-obesity test was carried out by dividing mice into 6 groups such as normal controls, obese controls, standard groups, and extract-treated groups (100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w). The in vivo test parameters observed included measurement of body weight and also liver, kidney, spleen, and retroperitoneal fat index measurement. Furthermore, in this research antioxidant test was performed using the DPPH method.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results:</title>
In vivo test showed that the giving of EEBP at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. effectively decreased body weight and retroperitoneal fat, but slightly affected the organ index of mice such as the liver, renal, and spleen. Furthermore, the antioxidant test showed that the IC50 EEBP results obtained were 37,05 µg/ml. In addition, the total flavonoid content found in the EEBP is 15,775 mgQE/g.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion:</title>
The present study showed that EEBP may have a considerable potential anti-obesity agent and also has a very strong antioxidant effect.
</sec>
</abstract>

Anti-obesity and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanol Extract of Fingerroot Rhizomes <italic>(Boesenbergia pandurata Roxb.)</italic> on High-Carbohydrate Diet-induced Mice

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction:</title>
Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a disease of multifactorial origin typically presented with a triad of symptoms including peripheral facial nerve paralysis, plicated tongue and orofacial edema. Diagnosing MRS requires the exclusion of other granulomatous diseases and the correlation of clinical with histopathological finding.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Case presentation:</title>
We present the case of a 56-year-old female with a four-month history of lower lip and right mandible angle swelling together with a plicated tongue that appeared during COVID-19 infection. The patient was successfully treated with intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide at a dose of 40 mg.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion: </title>
The presented case is specific by its late onset since the patient experienced their first symptoms in fifties, which differs from the majority of cases where the diagnosis is usually established in young adults. Infectious factors are established as possible etiologic factors of MRS, but few cases are described to be triggered or worsened by COVID-19 infection.
</sec>
</abstract>

Oligosymptomatic form of Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome possibly triggered by COVID-19 infection: A case report

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
This study aims to develop semisolid pharmaceutical forms for the topical administration of mometasone furoate.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
Two creams (O1 and O2) and four hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based hydrogels were prepared (H3-H6). Two different sorts of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were used in concentrations of 15 and 20%. Consistency, spreadability, viscosity, and pH were measured. In vitro drug release was determined by a vertical, Franz diffusion cell. Mathematical models were applied for a better understanding of release phenomena.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
O1 and O2 presented lower values for penetration depth and spreadability. Hydrogel viscosity is influenced by the type and concentration of the gel-forming agent. Viscosity decreases in the order H6, H5, H4, and H3. pH varies between 4.6 to 5.92, fulfilling the requirements of European Pharmacopiea. Creams showed 5.49 and 6.59% of mometasone released after 6 hours. The lowest viscosity hydrogel presented the best dissolution of 40.11% mometasone after 6 hours.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
H3 hydrogel releases the highest amount of mometasone furoate after 6 hours. The release is best described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model explained by water diffusion and polymeric chain relaxation happen during the swelling of the polymer.
</sec>
</abstract>

Development of semisolid pharmaceutical forms with mometasone furoate

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Prodrugs are chemically modified derivatives introduced in therapy due to their advantageous physico-chemical properties (greater stability, improved solubility, increased permeability), used in inactive form. Biological effect is exerted by the active derivatives formed in organism through chemical transformation (biotransformation). Currently, 10% of pharmaceutical products are used as prodrugs, nearly half of them being converted to active form by hydrolysis, mainly by ester hydrolysis. The use of prodrugs aims to improve the bioavailability of compounds in order to resolve some unfavorable characteristics and to reduce first-pass metabolism. Other objectives are to increase drug absorption, to extend duration of action or to achieve a better tissue/organ selective transport in case of non-oral drug delivery forms. Prodrugs can be characterized by chemical structure, activation mechanism or through the presence of certain functional groups suitable for their preparation. Currently we distinguish in therapy traditional prodrugs prepared by chemical derivatisation, bioprecursors and targeted delivery systems. The present article is a review regarding the introduction and applications of prodrug design in various areas of drug development.</abstract>

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş,

Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureş,

Prodrug Strategy in Drug Development

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Objective: The increased use of computers in education lead to computerized assessments, especially web-based assessment systems The aim of this study is to evaluate students’ acceptance of being evaluated using an online web-based assessment system. Methods: A transversal study was performed where a sample of students that used and were accustomed to an online assessment system were asked to fill in a short questionnaire and evaluate its use. Results: The questionnaire items responses show students’ preference for online assessment, as opposed to other assessment forms, like oral examination or classical pen and paper examination. Also it is noticeable the increase in the student number that prefer the online assessment as we move up through one year of study to the next. Conclusions: The study revealed a high level of acceptance for the online multiple choice questions test as an assessment method. Students’ opinion is that online tests are better suited for knowledge assessment and are more objective.</abstract>

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Tirgu Mures, Romania

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Department of Internal Medicine, Tirgu Mures, Romania

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tirgu Mures, Department of Scientific Medical Research Methodology, Tirgu Mures, Romania

Medical Students’ Acceptance of Online Assessment Systems

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Objective: The study aimed at obtaining and characterizing levofloxacin-loaded, poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun nanofiber formulations to be used as antibacterial wound dressings. Methods: Drug-loaded nanofibers were obtained by the electrospinning process and their morphology was determined using scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis of the prepared nanofibers was carried out using differential scanning calorimetry and dissolution testing was performed in order to determine drug release. Results: Both nanofiberous formulations (containing 20 % and 50 % w/w levofloxacin) showed dimensions in the range of few hundred nanometers. Thermograms indicated that the formulation containing 20% levofloxacin was totally amorphized, showing a rapid release of the active, in 20 minutes. Conclusions: The poly(ε-caprolactone)-based electrospun nanofibers, containing levofloxacin presented suitable characteristics for obtaining potential antibacterial wound dressings.</abstract>

Preparation and Characterization of Levofloxacin-Loaded Nanofibers as Potential Wound Dressings

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Objectives: The polyoxometalates are a class of inorganic compounds with controllable shapes and sizes, and with excellent properties that make them attractive for various applications. This study is aimed at the comparative UV and IR spectra of Keggin type polyoxometalates. Methods: Compounds under (UV and IR) investigations were divided into several groups to highlight similarities between compounds or classes of compounds for the same category. There are four types of saturated Keggin structures and six lacunar compounds included in this study. The study begins with the UV investigations on aqueous solutions with 10-5 M concentration for these compounds. IR spectra were recorded as KBr pressed pellets. Results: The UV spectras presents large strong peaks between 185-195 nm corresponding to W = Od bonds, between 251-268 nm for W-O-W bridge bonds, depending on heteroatom types (As, Sb). The unsaturated cryptand ligand having Co2+ coordinated presents the most intense peak, due to the involvement of oxygen atoms from terminal W = Od coordinative bonds with high electronic densities in coordination of W-O-Co bond. The IR spectra present many peaks that are associated as follows: for terminal bonds W = Od, 955-970 cm-1; for W-OW bridging bonds, 790-910 cm-1; for W-O-As/Sb bonds to heteroatom, 690-760 cm-1. Vibrations of the bonds between heteroatoms and oxygen (As/Sb-O) appear around 620-660 cm-1. Conclusions: Similarities appear from the recorded spectra, between compounds of the same class, by category association. Very fine displacements of peaks that occur explain the influence of heteroatoms, addenda atoms or coordinated cations.</abstract>

Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drugs Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

The UV and IR Comparative Spectrophotometric Study of Some Saturated and Lacunary Polyoxometalates

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Objective</bold>. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of practices and attitudes towards lifestyle in adolescence as risk or protective factors, for both the acne occurrence and lesions’ severity.<bold>Methods</bold>. A cross-sectional study based on a self-reported questionnaire was conducted during 4 months on 148 high school students, aged 16-20 years, in a high school community of Tîrgu Mureș. Acne prevalence and severity, demographic and anthropometric characteristics, the family history of acne vulgaris, smoking behavior and the weekly intake of certain food categories supposed to increase the risk of acne vulgaris were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed in terms of Odds ratio, Confidence Interval and Chi-square (p&lt;0.05) methods.<bold>Results</bold>. In the investigated community, acne prevalence was found of 47.30%, while 78 subjects (control group) had no facial acne lesions. In acne group: 57.1% had family history of acne, 62.9% were smokers, 22.9% were overweight or obese and 84.3% did not receive any dietary information from specialists. 41.4% were not fish consumers, while 74.3% rarely or never were eating fruits and vegetables. Statistically significant differences between the two analyzed groups were found in terms of sweets, carbonated drinks, dietary fat, white bread, fish, fruits and vegetables weekly intake.<bold>Conclusions</bold>. Family history, smoking behavior, excessive dietary fat, sweets, carbonated drinks and white bread could be considered as risk factors in acne vulgaris. An increased weekly intake of fish, vegetables and fruits, may have a protective effect in acne development or severity.</abstract>

Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Dermopharmacy and Cosmetology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Faculty of Medicine, Student, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureș, Romania

Diet, Smoking and Family History as Potential Risk Factors in Acne Vulgaris – a Community-Based Study

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