ROMANIAN JOURNAL of MORPHOLOGY and EMBRYOLOGY

Vol. 63 No. 2, April-June 2022

1. Short histological kaleidoscope - recent findings in histology. Part II

Anne-Marie Constantin, Adina Bianca Bosca, Carmen Stanca Melincovici, Mariana Viorica Marginean, Elena Mihaela Jianu, Ioana Maria Moldovan, Rada Teodora Sufletel, Amina Djouini, Alina Simona Sovrea

This article focuses on the latest histological knowledge in the field regarding the peripheral lymphoid system [mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)], the thymus stroma, some of the various corpuscles of the human body (Hassall s corpuscles in thymus, arenaceous corpuscles in pineal gland, corpora amylacea in prostate and other locations) and Fananas glial cells in the cerebellum.

Corresponding author: Adina Bianca Bosca, Associate Professor, DMD, PhD; e-mail: biancabosca@yahoo.com

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2. Update on placenta accreta spectrum disorders by considering epidemiological factors, ultrasound diagnosis and pathological exam - literature review and authors experience

Ruxandra Viorica Stanculescu, Elvira Bratila, Demetra Gabriela Socolov, Manuela Cristina Russu, Vasilica Bausic, Raluca Chirculescu, Ciprian Andrei Coroleuca, Anda Ioana Pristavu, Ramona Elena Dragomir, Petru Papuc, Antoanela Tanca, Alexandra Irma Gabriela Bausic

The aim of this paper was to correlate the circumstances that could lead to an abnormal invasion of placenta with the updated requirements to perform screening by ultrasound for all pregnant women prone to develop this pathology. To screen in the middle trimester of gestation for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders sets up an in-time referral opportunity for pregnant women prenatally detected with this pathology to a medical center with elevated level of expertise in the management of PAS disorders, able to act permanently by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and to have access at medical resources including blood bank available. The literature review reveals especially useful data for clinical practice as regards novel explanations related to the etiology and physiopathology of PAS disorders, the composition of the MDT and the relevance of an indispensable pathologist physician at the time of Cesarean hysterectomy involved in the selection of best samples with the purpose of avoiding the possibility of losing undiagnosed cases with litigation implications. Conclusions show that the prenatal diagnosis of PAS disorders is possible so decreasing the risk of mortality and morbidity of pregnant women. Screening in the second trimester of pregnancy for PAS disorders becomes mandatory as the number of births by Cesarean section is expected to rise past three-fold until 2030. The professional expertise of the pathologist physician could be enriched by immunohistochemical staining in all suspected cases of placental invasion in myometrium wall.

Corresponding author: Ruxandra Viorica Stanculescu, Associate Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: ruxandra.v.stanculescu@gmail.com; Alexandra Irma Gabriela Bausic, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: alexandra.bausic@drd.umfcd.ro

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3. Genetic polymorphism and neuroanatomical changes in schizophrenia

Mihai Gabriel Nastase, Ilinca Vlaicu, Simona Corina Trifu

The article is a review of the latest meta-analyses regarding the genetic spectrum in schizophrenia, discussing the risks given by the disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), monoamine oxidases-A/B (MAO-A/B), glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) genes, and dysbindin-1 protein. The DISC1 polymorphism significantly increases the risk of schizophrenia, as well injuries from the prefrontal cortex that affect connectivity. NRG1 is one of the most important proteins involved. Its polymorphism is associated with the reduction of areas in the corpus callosum, right uncinate, inferior lateral fronto-occipital fascicle, right external capsule, fornix, right optic tract, gyrus. NRG1 and the ErbB4 receptor (tyrosine kinase receptor) are closely related to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (glutamate receptor). COMT is located on chromosome 22 and together with interleukin-10 (IL-10) have an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function that influences the dopaminergic system. MAO gene methylation has been associated with mental disorders. MAO-A is a risk gene in the onset of schizophrenia, more precisely a certain type of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), at the gene level, is associated with schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, we find deficits of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmitter, the dysfunctions being found predominantly at the level of the substantia nigra. In schizophrenia, missing an allele at GAD67, caused by a SNP, has been correlated with decreases in parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin receptor (SSR), and GAD ribonucleic acid (RNA). Resulting in the inability to mature PV and SSR neurons, which has been associated with hyperactivity.

Corresponding author: Simona Corina Trifu, PhD; e-mail: simona.trifu@umfcd.ro

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4. Endometrial polyps

Costin Berceanu, Nicolae Cernea, Razvan Grigoras Capitanescu, Alexandru Cristian Comanescu, Stefan Paitici, Ioana Cristina Rotar, Roxana Elena Bohiltea, Maria Victoria Olinca

Endometrial polyps (EPs) are a frequent gynecological condition. EPs often arise in the common womanly patients and are appraised to be about 25%. Advancing age, hyperestrogenism, hypertension, and Tamoxifen use are acknowledged as ordinary risk elements for the development of EP. The etiopathogenesis of EP is not accurately elucidated, but certain considerations such as diabetes mellitus, hormonal factors or arterial hypertension are considered to perform a significant contribution. The diagnosis of EPs is essentially by imaging. Transvaginal ultrasound is the primary investigation in EPs. Hysteroscopic resection is now the gold standard to treat to treat this disease. Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment for EPs, but it requires a judicious indication and an adequate counseling of the patient. Currently, a certain histological pattern is found in different sequences in EPs. Even if the vast majority EPs are benign, they may reach hyperplastic, with malignant alteration. The purpose of this pictorial review is the integrated approach to this type of abnormal endometrial proliferation from the perspective of natural history, diagnosis, management, morphological aspects, risk of malignancy, recurrence and last but not least, clinical outcome.

Corresponding author: Razvan Grigoras Capitanescu, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: razvancapitanescu@gmail.com; Stefan Paitici, Teaching Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: stefanppaitici@gmail.com

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5. Telocytes inside of the peripheral nervous system - a 3D endoneurial network and putative role in cell communication

Nicolae Mirancea, Gabriel Valeriu Mirancea, Ana-Maria Morosanu

In this paper, we developed the hypothesis concerning the reasons to assimilate endoneurial fibroblast-like dendritic phenotype [shortly termed endoneurial dendritic cells (EDCs)] to the endoneurial telocytes (TCs). We reviewed the literature concerning EDCs status and report our observations on ultrastructure and some immune electron microscopic aspects of the cutaneous peripheral nerves. Our data demonstrate that EDCs long time considered as fibroblasts or fibroblast-like, with an ovoidal nucleus and one or more moniliform cell extensions [telopodes (Tps)], which perform homocellular junctions, also able to shed extracellular microvesicles can be assimilated to TC phenotype. Sometimes, small profiles of basement membrane accompany to some extent Tps. Altogether data resulted from scientific literature and our results strength the conclusion EDCs are really TCs inside of the peripheral nervous system. The inner three-dimensional (3D) network of endoneurial TCs by their homo- and heterocellular communications appears as a genuine cell-to-cell communication system inside of each peripheral nerve.

Corresponding author: Nicolae Mirancea, PhD, Senior Scientist grade I; e-mail: nick_mirancea@yahoo.com

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6. Histological evaluation of the incorporation and remodeling of structural allografts in critical size metaphyseal femur defects in rats of different ages

Nataliya Ashukina, Valentyna Maltseva, Petro Vorontsov, Zinaida Danyshchuk, Olga Nikolchenko, Mykola Korzh

Insufficient bone regeneration is a common issue for patients with extensive bone damage, therefore the use of allografts is required. With increasing life expectancy, there is a higher risk of bone repair issues after fractures or orthopedic surgical intervention. We studied incorporation and remodeling of structural allografts in critical size metaphyseal femur defects in 52 rats aged 3-month-old and 12-month-old who underwent surgeries creating a bone defect, which was either filled with a structural allograft (3-month-old - 3moAllo; 12-month-old - 12moAllo) or left empty (3-month-old - 3moE; 12-month-old - 12moE). Histological analyses were performed 14, 28 and 90 days after the surgery. The percentage of bone and fibrous tissues, and allograft relative to the defect area was evaluated. The transmission electron microscopy was carried out 14 days after allograft implantation. When the defect was empty, slower bone regeneration was observed in 12moE rats versus 3moE, leading to sufficient irregularities in the anatomic structure of the femur 90 days after the surgery. When a structural allograft was used, the area of the fibrous tissue was larger in the defects of 12moAllo compared with 3moAllo rats 90 days after surgery. No age-related differences were found in the allograft remodeling and structures of the osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts over the observation period. Evident issues with bone regeneration were found in critical size defects both of 12moE and 12moAllo rats. However, the allograft use allowed the bone maintaining anatomic structure 90 days after the surgery.

Corresponding author: Nataliya Ashukina, PhD; e-mail: nataliya.ashukina@gmail.com

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7. Analysis of the relationship between placental histopathological aspects of preterm and term birth

Ioana Victoria Camen, Anca-Maria Istrate-Ofiteru, Liliana Victoria Novac, Maria Magdalena Manolea, Anda Lorena Dijmarescu, Simona Daniela Neamtu, Lucretiu Radu, Mihail Virgil Boldeanu, Mircea-Sebastian Serbanescu, Maria Stoica, Andrei Gheorghe Marius Motoc, Marius Bogdan Novac, Daniela-Loredana Bujorescu

Objectives: This study aims to establish a correlation between placental histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) changes and preterm birth with fetal growth restriction (FGR, formerly called intrauterine growth restriction - IUGR). Patients, Materials, and Methods: This prospective study was performed on a group of 30 parturients, with singleton gestation, of which 15 patients gave birth at term, and the other 15 patients gave birth prematurely. After the statistical correlation of the clinical and demographic data with premature birth (PB) and term birth (TB), we performed histological and IHC research on the respective placentae. To observe normal and pathological microscopic placental structures, we used the Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Periodic Acid Schiff-Hematoxylin (PAS-H) classical stainings, but also special immunostaining with anti-cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. Results: We found a statistically significant difference between the TB/PB categories and the age of the patients, their antepartum weight, the weight of the newborns, and the placenta according to the sex of the newborn. Histological analysis revealed in the case of TB, small areas of perivillous amyloid deposition, with the significant extension of these areas both intravillous and perivillous in the case of PB. Massive intravillous calcifications, syncytial knots, and intravillous vascular thrombosis were also frequently present in PB. With PAS-H staining were highlighted the intra/extravillous vascular basement membranes, but especially the massive fibrin deposits rich in glycosaminoglycans. By the IHC technique with the anti-CD34 antibody, we noticed the numerical vascular density, higher in the case of TB, but in the case of PB, there were large areas of placental infarction, with a lack of immunostaining in these areas. Through the anti-VEGF antibody, we observed the presence of signal proteins that determined and stimulated the formation of neoformation vessels in the areas affected by the lack of post-infarction placental vascularization. We observed a highly significant difference between placental vascular density between TB/PB and newborn weight, sex, or placental weight. Conclusions: Any direct proportional link between the clinical maternal-fetal and histological elements yet studied must be considered. Thus, establishing an antepartum risk group can prevent a poor pregnancy outcome.

Corresponding author: Anca-Maria Istrate-Ofiteru, MD, PhD; e-mail: ancaofiteru92@yahoo.com; Marius Bogdan Novac, Associate Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: mariusnovac2005@yahoo.com

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8. Diagnosis of lung cancer by flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy: a descriptive study

Viorel Biciusca, Iulian Alin Silviu Popescu, Diana Maria Trasca, Mihai Olteanu, Ionelia Sorina Stan, Patricia Durand, Georgiana-Cristiana Camen, Mara Amalia Balteanu, Irina Mihaela Cazacu, Alin Dragos Demetrian, Costin Teodor Streba, Cristina Calarasu, Ramona Cioboata

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) remains the most important minimally invasive method for the diagnosis of lung cancer (LC). We performed a retrospective study to assess the main endoscopic findings of malignant lung tumors in the large airways in a cohort of Romanian patients. The group consisted of 32 (84.21%) men and six (15.78%) women, with an average age of 64.63+/-6.07 years. The bronchoscopic examination allowed the detection and biopsy of 36 malignant lung tumors, and in two other cases, due to malignant atelectasis, the patients were sent to a Department of Thoracic Surgery, to perform the biopsy following the surgery. Histopathological (HP) examination revealed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 19 (50%) patients, adenocarcinoma (ADC) in 11 (28.94%) patients and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in eight (21.05%) patients. The macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the lung tumors showed that infiltrative forms were found in most cases (58.33%), followed by exophytic (mass) endobronchial lesions (22.22%) and mixed forms (19.44%). If most infiltrative forms were SCC (66.66%), the exophytic and mixed lesions were most frequently ADC (50% and 57.14%). The tumor lesions caused both malignant bronchial stenosis (57.89%) and malignant atelectasis (42.1%). The main mechanisms involved in bronchial malignant obstruction were endoluminal (50%), mixed (31.57%) and extraluminal (18.42%) mechanisms. In conclusion, FFB remains the main method of diagnosing LC in the large airways. The most common macroscopic appearance of lung tumors revealed by bronchoscopy was the infiltrative appearance. In half of our patients, the malignant bronchial obstruction was achieved by endoluminal mechanism. The most common pathological form found in our patients was the SCC, as described in half of the investigated patients.

Corresponding author: Iulian Alin Silviu Popescu, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: alin_psi@yahoo.com; Alin Dragos Demetrian, Assistant Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: alin_demetrian@yahoo.com

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9. Immunohistochemical expression of p53, Ki67, alpha-SMA, CD44 and CD31 in different histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma

Anca Cojocaru, Carrol Birjovanu, Ana-Maria Ciurea, Dragos Niculescu, Olguta-Anca Orzan, Ana Ion, Dragos Ovidiu Alexandru, Ionica Pirici, Elena Janina Vilcea, Elena-Alexandra Marinescu, Marius Eugen Ciurea

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common, locally invasive tumor that arises within sun-damaged skin and rarely develops on the palms and soles or mucous membranes. Men generally have higher rates of BCC than women. Incidence also increases with age and the median age of diagnosis is 68 years old. Mortality from BCC is rare and cases of aggressive, local destructive, metastatic BCCs are more likely from tumors with aggressive histopathological (HP) patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate and correlate the immunohistochemical expression of p53, Ki67, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), cluster of differentiation (CD)44 and CD31 with both aggressive and nonaggressive types of BCCs. In our study, we observed a varied staining pattern for p53, with the highest reactivity noticed in the peripheral palisading zone. The staining pattern for Ki67 was similar to p53, with a more pronounced reaction in the periphery of the tumor. We found different Ki67 and p53 expression among the various subtypes of BCC. The CD31 reactivity, mostly seen in the stroma, was positive in all BCCs and varied significantly between its different HP subtypes. Regarding stromal expression of alpha-SMA, the adenoid and basosquamous types had the most intense reaction in our study. The CD44 tumor expression was correlated in our study to the aggressive pattern of BCCs.

Corresponding author: Ana-Maria Ciurea, MD, PhD; e-mail: ana.ciurea@umfcv.ro; Dragos Niculescu, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: dragos.niculescu@umfcv.ro

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10. Anatomical study of circle of Willis on fresh autopsied brains. A study of a Romanian population

Ana Maria Dumitrescu, Lucian Eva, Danisia Haba, Andrei Ionut Cucu, Gabriela Florenta Dumitrescu, Vladut Mirel Burduloi, Lucia Corina Dima-Cozma, Ruxandra Vatavu, George Catalin Morosanu, Anca Sava

Because the circle of Willis (CoW) supplies blood to the brain in case of occlusion of one of the cerebral arteries, identification of any change in its classical shape could be useful in the assessment of cerebrovascular morbidity. The purpose of our research was to study the anatomical variants of CoW identified on fresh brains obtained at the clinical autopsies of adult deceased patients belonging to a specific population (Northeastern region of Romania), as no data are available for Romania population up to date. The study group included consecutive patients who died in Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania, due to medical causes between January 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016, to whom a clinical autopsy was performed. From a total of 96 circles of Willis, 29.17% presented an atypical morphology. We identified eight types of anatomical variants, which affected simultaneously both the posterior and the anterior parts of CoW in 46.42% of cases. The most frequent anatomical variants were hypoplasia (20.91%), followed by the absence of an artery (3.06%), and partially fetal type artery (2.04%). 67.86% of atypical CoW exhibited more than one anatomical variant of an artery in one circle. We identified nine of the 23 morphological patterns that were published to date, and also nine new types. Our research proved that in the population living in the Northeastern part of Romania the anatomical variations of circles of Willis are very polymorphic, with particular morphological aspects.

Corresponding author: Lucian Eva, Associate Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: elucian73@yahoo.com; Vladut Mirel Burduloi, University Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: vburduloi@yahoo.com

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11. The mast cell reaction in premalignant and malignant lesions of the head and neck

Raluca Mioara Cosoroaba, Nela Pusa Gaje, Amalia Raluca Ceausu, Cristina Stefania Dumitru, Liana Todor, Ramona Amina Popovici, Anca Porumb, Daniela Domocos, Mariana Ioana Miron

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most frequent and aggressive neoplasms of this anatomical region. Many studies evaluated the neoplastic cells, but few works focused on the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, we investigated the distribution and mast cell density (MCD) in malignant and premalignant lesions of the oral cavity, tongue, pharynx, and larynx. There were analyzed 52 specimens of HNSCC, and 15 biopsies taken from patients with dysplasia. Results were compared with those found in a control group of 10 biopsies of oral mucosa from patients with inflammatory diseases. Slides stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin were used for the histopathological diagnosis and grade, and mast cells (MCs) were identified by immunohistochemistry, using anti-MC tryptase. MCs were counted using a method similar to that proposed for microvessel density. We found a significant increase in the number of MCs from the normal oral mucosa until overt carcinoma. Unlike normal tissues, in HNSCC, many MCs were found between tumor cells. We found no relationship between MCs and blood vessels in the tumor area. A significant statistical correlation was found between dysplastic and malignant tumors, but not between tumors with a different grade. Also, it was not found relationship between MCD and the anatomical location of the tumor. Based on these results, we believe that MCD evaluated by anti-MC tryptase is an independent factor of prognosis and reflects an unfavorable outcome.

Corresponding author: Liana Todor, Associate Professor, DMD, PhD; e-mail: liana.todor@gmail.com; Ramona Amina Popovici, Habilitated Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: ramona.popovici@umft.ro

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12. Allergic rhinitis associated with nasal polyps and rhinosinusitis - histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Andreea Iordache, Nicolae Constantin Balica, Ioana Delia Horhat, Raluca Morar, Alina Andreea Tischer, Adina Iuliana Milcu, Madalina Casiana Salavat, Veronica Madalina Boruga, Bogdan Niculescu, Gheorghe Iovanescu, Zoran Laurentiu Popa

Currently, allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic disease worldwide. AR is defined as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways. It characterizes by symptoms like nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, and sneezing. The immune system and genetic susceptibility in the interaction with the environment lead to the development of AR. Many cytokines, chemokines and cells maintain allergic inflammation. Studies show that 10% to 30% of the adult population are affected, and that prevalence rates are increasing world widely. AR, nasal polyps (NP), as well as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are all associated with eosinophilic infiltration and large quantities of mast cells (MCs) within the mucosa. The diagnosis and management of chronic sinonasal diseases involves the analysis of eosinophilic infiltration, MCs, and their markers eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase. Regarding nasal cancer, nasal allergies were found to exhibit a dual function: immune surveillance may help in the defense against malignant cells, but an opposite effect is observed in tissues with chronic stimulation and inflammation. In the present paper, we studied a group of 70 patients diagnosed with AR and NP, rhinosinusitis or nasal cancer, admitted to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic of the Emergency City Hospital, Timisoara, Romania, between January 2016 and December 2020, and we identified 37 (53%) patients diagnosed with AR and NP, 25 (36%) patients diagnosed with AR and rhinosinusitis, and eight (11%) patients diagnosed with AR and nasal cancer. The average age of the patients was 53 years old. Every patient included in the study was histopathologically and immunohistochemically diagnosed.

Corresponding author: Gheorghe Iovanescu, MD, PhD; e-mail: giovanescu@gmail.com; Bogdan Niculescu, MD, PhD; e-mail: bogdanniculescu78@yahoo.com

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13. The molecular profile of breast cancer: primary tumor versus corresponding lymph node metastases

Erwin Floroni, Amalia Raluca Ceausu, Nela Pusa Gaje, Silviu Cristian Suciu, Raluca Mioara Cosoroaba, Anca Porumb, Ramona Amina Popovici, Marius Raica

Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most frequent malignancy in female, and lymph node metastases (LNM) is an important prognostic and therapeutic parameter. The molecular classification is nowadays largely applied to characterize the primary tumors, but few studies focused on the comparison between the molecular profiles of the primary with corresponding LNM. In the current work, we investigated the expression of conventional markers used by molecular classification in both primary tumors and axillary LNM. A series of 156 patients with BrCa was investigated, and from these 80 cases showed LNM. After routine pathological investigation, including the histopathological form and grade, we performed additional step sections from the primary and lymph nodes for immunohistochemistry. All procedures for hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki67, cytokeratin 5 (CK5), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, E-cadherin, and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were performed using the standard automated procedures. We found significant differences between the primary tumors and corresponding LNM in luminal A, luminal B, and basal-like carcinoma. No phenotypical interconversions were noticed in HER2 and unclassified BrCa. Our data demonstrate that in almost 20% of the cases the molecular profile of the primary does not overlap with aspects found in the lymph nodes. Our results strongly suggest performing the molecular classification in both primary tumors and in LNM. Current data suggest that the application of this diagnostic procedure will significantly influence the therapeutic strategy.

Corresponding author: Ramona Amina Popovici, Habilitated Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: ramona.popovici@umft.ro; Anca Porumb, Habilitated Professor, MD, PhD; e-mail: anca.porumb@yahoo.com

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14. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes of the superficial marginal periodontium caused by orthodontic treatment with fixed metallic orthodontic appliances

Mahmoud Katta, Cristian Niky Cumpata, Mihaela Jana Tuculina, Adela Cristina Lazar, Horia Octavian Manolea, Horia Mocanu, Felicia Ileana Marasescu, Stelian-Mihai-Sever Petrescu, Ionela Teodora Dascalu

Malocclusions negatively influence dental function, physical well-being, and quality of life. According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), malocclusions represent the third most widespread oral health problem, after dental caries and periodontal diseases. In recent years, more and more people call for orthodontic treatment with fixed braces that aim at establishing a dental, aesthetic, and functional balance, compatible with a normal life. Our study assessed the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes that occurred in superficial marginal periodontal components, in a number of 23 patients diagnosed with malocclusions, as a result of orthodontic treatment with fixed metal braces. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the remodeling of the tissues in the superficial periodontium during orthodontic migration, microscopic aspects that are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment.

Corresponding author: Cristian Niky Cumpata, Assistant Professor, DMD, PhD; e-mail: nikycumpata@gmail.com; Felicia Ileana Marasescu, Assistant, DMD, PhD; e-mail: ciuca_felicia@yahoo.com

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15. Treatment of skin defects with PRP enriched with hyaluronic acid - histological aspects in rat model

Elena-Alexandra Marinescu, Oliviu Nica, Anca Cojocaru, Ilona Mihaela Liliac, Ana-Maria Ciurea, Marius Eugen Ciurea

Tissue healing is a complex, dynamic process, characterized by the replacement of devitalized and absent cell and tissue structures. This can be obtained by different methods, these being found in the reconstructive scale, which although it is very rich does not offer a universally valid solution for closing skin wounds. In plastic surgery, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has proven effective in the treatment of skin graft donor areas, burn wounds, skin grafts, tendons, or varicose ulcers. Also, hyaluronic acid (HA) has found its utility in different areas of medicine, other than the esthetics field, with satisfactory results after its use in various lesions. The aim of our study was to find a method of healing wounds with skin defect that shortens the time of complete epithelialization compared to native healing, which is accessible to any patient both by its simplicity and by the lowest possible costs. So, we decided to test a preparation consisting of PRP and granular HA in this type of wounds on a group of 30 Wistar rats. Corroborating the macroscopic data with the microscopic ones, an important similarity can be observed between the healing of the adjuvant-treated lesion at 14 days postoperatively and the healing of the lesion left to natural healing at 21 days, thus shortening the healing period by seven days.

Corresponding author: Ana-Maria Ciurea, Assistant, MD, PhD; e-mail: amciurea14@gmail.com; Ilona Mihaela Liliac, MD, PhD Student; e-mail: ilona.mihaela.liliac@gmail.com

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16. Osteoarthritis induces gender-related changes in the knee range of motion

Carmen Statescu, Doru Stoica, Claudia Valentina Georgescu, Bogdan Ion Gavrila, Marius Nicolae Popescu, Magdalena Rodica Traistaru, Elena Irina Caluianu, Tudor-Adrian Balseanu

In time, osteoarthritis (OA) generates the misalignment of the affected joint structures. However, due to the nature of bipedal gait, OA in the lower limb can also cause pathological gait patterns, which can generate instability and falls, with great consequence, especially in the aged population. With goniometry used to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) of joints, we wanted to evaluate how gender impacts gait dynamics in OA patients. For this study, we have compared 106 OA patients (74 females and 32 males) to age matched controls. All participants had their right leg as dominant. Video recording of normal gait was analyzed with a digital goniometry tool phone application, and the knee s ROM was measured in midstance and midswing moment of the gait. During midstance, significant extension and flexion of the knee excursion have been observed in both males and females. During midswing, knee OA presents more differences, whereas subjects with hip and knee OA present changes on the dominant knee. Midstance changes suggest that the knee s joint degenerative changes, such as synovitis, can be linked to hip OA secondary changes. Midswing changes in lower limb OA suggest a connection to the activities of daily life. Gender differences generated by OA must furthermore be studied in both lower limbs so that the best therapeutic approach can be chosen.

Corresponding author: Doru Stoica, Assistant Professor; e-mail: dorustoicaa@gmail.com; Elena Irina Caluianu, Assistant; e-mail: rui_costa23@yahoo.com

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17. Healthy birth in a case of total globozoospermia after intracytoplasmic sperm injection and assisted oocyte activation

Ionut George Porumb, Anca Magdalena Coricovac, Ioana Iulia Raica, Otilia Zarnescu, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu

Globozoospermia is a rare (incidence <0.1%) and very severe disorder, with major implications in male fertility. Total globozoospermia is represented by the presence of spermatozoa with 100% rounded heads and a lack of acrosomes. These specific morphological modifications seem to be connected to defects occurring in the last stage of spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, and will result in anomalies of the acrosomal reaction and a defective adherence of the spermatozoa to the oocytes zona pellucida. This will result in a failure of natural fertilization. This article aims to present the case of a couple diagnosed and successfully treated for primary male infertility. The 26-year-old male partner underwent two semen analyses that revealed the presence of fully rounded spermatozoa heads (morphological abnormality) and consequently was proposed for in vitro fertilization treatment. Semen preparation and the use of assisted reproductive techniques, intracytoplasmic injection of sperm cells into the assisted oocyte activation, have resulted in the conceivement of a healthy child. The particularities of this case lie in the early recognition of the total abnormal globozoospermia morphology. This is the first case reported in Romania where specific assisted reproductive techniques and treatments have resulted in a successful pregnancy for a couple with male total globozoospermia.

Corresponding author: Anca Magdalena Coricovac, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: anca.coricovac@umfcd.ro; Ionut George Porumb, PhD Student, Embryologist; e-mail: porumb.ionut-george@bio.unibuc.ro

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