Clinics and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the Potential Impact of SERPINE Gene Expression in Cumulus Cells During Fertility Treatments: A Single Center Study.","authors":"Sofoklis Stavros, Anastasios Potiris, Despoina Mavrogianni, Efthalia Moustakli, Kyriaki Tsiorou, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Nikolaos Kathopoulis, Charalampos Theofanakis, Dimitrios Loutradis, Ekaterini Domali, Peter Drakakis","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15050083","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15050083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Cumulus cells have been proposed to be indicators of oocyte quality. In this study, oocyte cumulus cells were analyzed for SERPINE gene expression. High SERPINE gene expression in cumulus cells is associated with reduced oocyte maturity. However, high mRNA levels in granulosa cells are associated with follicles that result in pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate SERPINE gene expression in cumulus cells across different ovarian stimulation protocols and its potential impact on follicle number, oocyte maturity, and embryo quality. <b>Methods</b>: The sample of the study consisted of 93 infertile women that underwent a five-day fixed antagonist protocol. Detection of SERPINE gene expression levels in cumulus cells was performed by extracting and isolating the total RNA produced in granulosa cells, and conducting cDNA synthesis and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. <b>Results</b>: The SERPINE gene expression in CCs was assessed in 71 samples. The SERPINE gene expression levels in CCs were categorized based on the ΔCp values. Most participants (65.9%) exhibited a high expression of the SERPINE gene, with ΔCp values greater than 2. Higher gene expression resulted in a higher number of follicles. However, no statistically significant results were observed regarding the number of follicles and the number of embryos. <b>Conclusions</b>: The study results provide insights into the expression patterns of the SERPINE gene in CCs and underscore the complexity of fertility-related biomarkers and the need for further investigation. SERPINE expression appears to be associated with follicle count, while its role in predicting oocyte quality and pregnancy success remains inconclusive.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ocular Ultrasound as a Key to Diagnosing Uveitis-Masked Syndromes: Tips and Tricks.","authors":"Valeria Albano, Rosanna Dammacco, Ilaria Lolli, Claudia Ventricelli, Enrico Settimo, Angelo Miggiano, Maria Grazia Pignataro, Paolo Ferreri, Francesco Boscia, Silvana Guerriero, Giovanni Alessio","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15050084","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15050084","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background and Objectives&lt;/b&gt;: Uveitis-masked syndromes or masquerade syndromes (UMSs) are a group of ocular conditions with several systemic underlying causes, malignant or nonmalignant, that mimic the inflammatory status of the uvea. They are often difficult to detect and diagnose with traditional techniques, such as ophthalmic exams. Ocular B (bidimensional)-ultrasound (OBU) is a non-invasive, repeatable, rapid ultrasound method effective in indirect signs that lead back to systemic diseases. It is comparable in effectiveness with other imaging tools. The cause of UMSs can often be serious, and therefore early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical. This study aimed to identify the sonographic signs of these forms, which can help physicians discover the cause underlying UMS. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods&lt;/b&gt;: This was a consecutive, retrospective, nonrandomized study. This study was conducted at the University Hospital Polyclinic of Bari, Italy, from January 2022 to December 2024. A total of 186 patients were included, from 10 to 85 years old. They all underwent B-scan ultrasonography (Quantel Medical ABSolu Ocular Ultrasound). &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: All patients reported blurred vision, which could be accompanied by visual reduction (&lt;20/40, Snellen charts), photophobia, floaters, flashes, proptosis, and redness. In all cases, we noted peculiar ultrasonographic signs, which allowed us to discriminate the underlying systemic diagnosis, such as vitreous corpuscles, choroid thickening, and primitive or metastatic solid tumors. Finally, we identified different diseases, such as primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL), other lymphoproliferative conditions, orbital plasmacytoma, uveal melanoma, metastasis, endogenous endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, central serous retinopathy, metallic foreign bodies, ocular amyloidosis, and drug-induced UMSs. The sensitivity and specificity of ocular ultrasound compared to multimodal ocular imaging in UMSs were as follows: for primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) and other lymphoproliferative conditions, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.80-1) and 0.68 (90% CI, 0.40-0.92), respectively; for orbital plasmacytoma, 0.64 (92% CI, 0.52-0.86) and 0.66 (93% CI, 0.48-0.89), respectively; uveal melanoma, 1.00 (98% CI, 0.88-1.00) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.86-0.98), respectively; metastasis, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.53-0.85) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.48-0.98), respectively; endogenous endophthalmitis, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.50-1.00) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.48-0.98), respectively; retinal detachment, both were 1.00 (95% CI, 0.87-1.00 and 0.84-0.97, respectively); central serous retinopathy, 0.60 (80% CI, 0.41-0.88) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.52-0.98), respectively; metallic foreign bodies, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.78-1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99-1.00), respectively; ocular amyloidosis, 0.77 (82% CI, 0.52-0.90) and 0.83 (80% CI, 0.49-0.88), respectively; and drug-induced UMSs, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.49-0.88) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.52-0.98), respectively. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;: Diagnosing UMS accurately ","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microvascular Anastomosis in Practice: A Pilot Study on Microsurgical Training Efficiency.","authors":"Florin-Vlad Hodea, Andreea Grosu-Bularda, Andrei Cretu, Catalina-Stefania Dumitru, Vladut-Alin Ratoiu, Eliza-Maria Bordeanu-Diaconescu, Raducu-Andrei Costache, Razvan-Nicolae Teodoreanu, Ioan Lascar, Cristian-Sorin Hariga","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15050082","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract15050082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Microsurgery is a demanding surgical field requiring precision and extensive training. There is a continued need for standardized training models to improve skill acquisition and efficiency in microvascular anastomosis. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to assess whether a standardized microsurgery training protocol, focusing on technique-specific objectives, improves performance among beginner trainees. <b>Material and Methods:</b> A three-month, non-randomized cohort study was conducted with entry-level plastic surgery residents. Participants were assigned to either a control group, practicing without structured guidance, or a test group, using a predefined microsurgery curriculum. Skill performance was measured at baseline, three weeks, and three months using a modified University of Western Ontario Microsurgical Skills Assessment (UWOMSA) tool. <b>Results:</b> While both groups improved over time, the test group demonstrated significantly greater improvement at the three-month mark (mean score: 59 vs. 38; <i>p</i> = 0.00027). The structured training model promoted more consistent progress and superior microsurgical technique. <b>Conclusions:</b> A standardized training protocol significantly enhances microsurgical proficiency over time. These findings suggest value in structured, low-cost training models for microsurgical education. Limitations include the small sample size, use of non-living models, and a non-randomized design.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12110448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Quantitative Systematic Review on the Analgesic Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ketorolac in Third Molar Surgery.","authors":"Mario Alberto Isiordia-Espinoza, Othoniel Hugo Aragon-Martinez, Nicolás Addiel Serafín-Higuera, Sandra López-Verdín, Eduardo Gómez-Sánchez, Nelly Molina-Frechero, Ronell Bologna-Molina, Juan Manuel Guzmán-Flores, Itzel Joselyn Mora-Falcón","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the number needed to treat (NNT) of ketorolac in comparison to placebo after third molar surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies located in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. Data on the onset of analgesia, the number of patients requiring rescue medication, the global or general evaluation of the study medication, and adverse effects were extracted. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software for Windows.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The qualitative assessment of the included studies showed that ketorolac was more effective than a placebo and the quantitative evaluation on the onset of analgesia (NNT = 1.6 (95%CIs = 1.4, 1.9), n = 301), the number of patients who took rescue analgesics (NNT = 3.6 (95%CIs = 2.8 to 4.9), n = 563), and the global evaluation of the treatments (NNT = 1.7 (95%CIs = 1.5 to 1.9), n = 475) showed estimates of analgesic efficacy with a statistical difference in favor of ketorolac when compared with a placebo. No statistical difference was observed in adverse effects between ketorolac and placebo (n = 739).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is scientific evidence of moderate quality that allows estimators of the analgesic efficacy of ketorolac to be calculated, which will significantly help the clinician who performs pharmacological treatment after third molar surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025813/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Overview of the Etiopathogenic Mechanisms Involved in the Expression of the Oral Microbiota.","authors":"Ion Alexandru Popovici, Cristian Ionut Orasanu, Georgeta-Camelia Cozaru, Anita-Cristina Ionescu, Lidia Kajanto, Bogdan Cimpineanu, Anca Chisoi, Adrian Nelutu Mitroi, Ionut Poinareanu, Raluca Ioana Voda, Oana Andreea Ursica, Mihaela Butcaru Pundiche","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The diversity of the oral microbiota exerts its effects in maintaining dental and overall health. The unique genetic profile of each individual influences the composition of the oral microbiota, determining susceptibility to certain diseases. The aim is to observe its role by highlighting the pathogenic mechanisms involved in oral dysbiosis and identify genetic determinism's influence in maintaining balance. <b>Methods</b>: This study was designed as a narrative review of the oral microbiota, utilizing some of the principles and guidelines of systematic review to increase methodological rigor. We examined 121 articles such as reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, and observational studies, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria for studies were as follows: (1) studies that evaluated the impact of the microbiota in oral or/and systemic diseases; (2) studies that observed pathogenic mechanisms in the oral microbiota; (3) studies that evaluated the interaction of the microbiota with the immune system (4); studies that evaluated genetic implications in the microbiota. <b>Results</b>: Host genes regulate inflammatory and immunological reactions that play a role in microbiological balance. This explains the increased resistance of some to diseases, including gingivitis or periodontitis. Also, the implications of oral dysbiosis are reflected not only locally, but also generally, being associated with various systemic conditions. <b>Conclusions</b>: Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and genetic determinants involved in oral dysbiosis may help create individualized therapies for preventing and managing oral and systemic disorders. A healthy lifestyle and adequate oral hygiene can facilitate a diverse and balanced microbiome, crucial for overall health.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12026067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Influencing Adherence to Non-Invasive Telemedicine in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.","authors":"George Koulaouzidis, Lamprini Tsigkriki, Orestis Grammenos, Sotiria Iliopoulou, Maria Kalaitzoglou, Panagiotis Theodorou, Ioannis Bostanitis, Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka, Dafni Charisopoulou","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Telemedicine (TM) has emerged as a promising tool for improving heart failure (HF) management by allowing non-invasive, remote patient monitoring. However, patient adherence to TM plays a critical role in its effectiveness. This systematic review aims to assess adherence levels to non-invasive TM interventions and explore factors influencing compliance. <b>Methods:</b> This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify prospective randomized controlled trials published between January 2010 and June 2024. The inclusion criteria included studies focused on non-invasive TM in HF patients with a follow-up period longer than three months. Adherence rates were categorized as high (≥80%), moderate (60-79%), or low (<60%). <b>Results:</b> Of the 136 identified studies, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported high adherence (>80%), and three moderate adherence (60-79%). Older patients (≥65 years) showed higher adherence, with two studies exceeding 85% adherence. Studies with higher female participation (>30%) reported better adherence, with two exceeding 88%. Across studies, a lack of racial diversity was especially notable, apart from a study that included a population with 69% black and 31% Hispanic participants, where adherence was 50% for ≥10 uploads over a 90-day period. Seasonal variations affected adherence, with December being the lowest (47-69%) and August the highest (>85%). Monitoring multiple health parameters correlated with better adherence (>85%) compared to single-parameter tracking (50-74%). <b>Conclusions:</b> TM is a promising tool for HF management, but adherence differs by age, sex, and the complexity of monitoring. To optimize TM use, standardized adherence measures and tailored strategies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025463/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time Capsule Medicine: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study on Immersive Simulation for Chronic Disease Education in Medical Students.","authors":"Andreas Conte, Waseem Jerjes","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Chronic diseases require long-term and multidimensional care, but traditional medical education has emphasised acute care and episodic interventions. This gap limits the understanding of future clinicians about the complexity of managing chronic conditions over decades. This mix-methods quantitative-qualitative pilot study describes \"Time Capsule Medicine\", an innovative educational framework in which medical students acted out the progressive challenges that patients with chronic illnesses might face over a continuous period of 20 years. This paper aims to report the outcomes of this innovative educational technique. <b>Methods</b>: Thirty final-year medical students were engaged in the three-phase programme which included preparation, immersive simulation, and reflection and evaluation. The preparation consisted of online workshops in chronic disease progression, age-related changes, and continuity of care, while the immersive simulation featured appropriate role-play exercises in small groups that simulated the chronic disease process across four five-year increments. The reflection and evaluation consisted of debriefing sessions and reflective journals, while pre- and post-simulation questionnaires tested learning outcomes. The physical constraints included weighted garments with visual impairments simulating the age-related limitations. <b>Results</b>: A gender- and ethnically diverse cohort of thirty final-year medical students from three medical schools in North London participated in the programme. The simulation significantly enhanced students' confidence in managing long-term disease trajectories (pre-simulation score: 2.8 ± 0.9; post-simulation score: 4.3 ± 0.6; <i>p</i> < 0.01) and understanding of age-related challenges (from 3.1 ± 1.0 to 4.5 ± 0.5; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Empathy scores increased from 3.0 ± 0.9 to 4.7 ± 0.5 <i>p</i> < 0.01. The qualitative analysis showed an increased appreciation of the continuity of care, recognition of systemic barriers, and insights into the emotional burdens of chronic conditions. For many students, the simulation was transformative, changing the way they approached holistic, patient-centred care. <b>Conclusions</b>: This experiential learning approach has succeeded in effectively addressing one of the most important gaps known in traditional medical education in developing empathy, understanding, and confidence in the long-term management of chronic diseases. The integration of similar simulations into medical curricula may adequately arm future clinicians with the complexities of continuity of care and patient management. Further studies need to be performed exploring scalability and its impact on long-term clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Context of Global Travel, Migration, Refugee Populations, and Humanitarian Crises.","authors":"Janice Kim, Tarek Zieneldien, Sophia Ma, Bernard A Cohen","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne infection caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus <i>Leishmania</i>. CL is an emerging global health concern due to increasing migration, travel, and climate change. Traditionally, it was confined to endemic regions such as the Americas, the Middle East, and Central Asia; however, it is now spreading to non-endemic areas. Climate change has further contributed to the expansion of sandfly habitats, increasing CL transmission risk in previously unaffected areas. Healthcare providers in non-endemic regions often misdiagnose CL, delaying treatment and morbidity. Diagnosis remains challenging due to the need for species-specific identification, while treatment is limited by cost, availability, and personnel expertise. This review explores the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of CL in the context of global mobility. It highlights rising CL cases in refugee settlements, particularly in Lebanon and Jordan, due to poor living conditions, inadequate vector control, and healthcare barriers. While there have been advances in systemic and topical therapies, access in refugee and resource-poor settings remains a barrier. Addressing the global burden of CL requires improved surveillance, healthcare provider training, and increased awareness. By enhancing global collaboration and policy changes, public health efforts can mitigate the expanding impact of CL.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Cohort Study on the Impact of Oral Health on the Quality of Life of Adolescents and Young Adults.","authors":"Iva Klarić Puđa, Kristina Goršeta, Hrvoje Jurić, Mirko Soldo, Luc A M Marks, Martina Majstorović","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This cohort study examines the relationship between quality of life and oral health in adolescents and young adults in the Zagreb area. <b>Methods:</b> The research involved 250 participants aged 14 to 25 from Zagreb. Each participant was examined by an oral medicine doctor using a probe and mirror in a dental unit, and their DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) status was determined. Participants also completed questionnaires on their socio-economic status (SES) and the impact of their oral health on quality of life (OHIP-14, Oral Health Impact Profile). <b>Results:</b> Caries was the most common dental issue among adolescents (2.23 ± 2.58), with restoration being the most frequent treatment (54%). Endodontic treatment and tooth extraction were more prevalent among individuals with lower SES (24.1%), who also had worse DMFT scores (8.09 ± 5.56). Prophylaxis was equally distributed across SES and gender. Male patients had more carious teeth (2.75 ± 3.07) than female patients (1.85 ± 2.08), while female patients scored worse on the OHIP-14 scale (10.97 ± 8.77) compared to males (8.81 ± 8.11). Age positively correlated with both OHIP-14 and DMFT scores. <b>Conclusions:</b> Adolescents and young adults in Zagreb, Croatia, exhibited high DMFT and OHIP-14 scores, reflecting significant oral health issues and reduced quality of life, particularly among older individuals and those with lower SES. The association between invasive treatments (e.g., endodontic procedures and extractions) and diminished quality of life underscores the necessity for early preventive measures, including regular dental check-ups and targeted oral health education.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12025447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144017111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma in an Ulcerative Colitis Patient Under Short-Term Immunosuppressive Therapy: A Case Report.","authors":"Raffaele Pellegrino, Giuseppe Imperio, Michele Izzo, Ilaria De Costanzo, Fabio Landa, Paola Ciamarra, Marco Niosi, Antonietta Gerarda Gravina, Alessandro Federico","doi":"10.3390/clinpract15040075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15040075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Renal cell cancer is a rare occurrence in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), with no clearly demonstrated association between UC and an increased risk of renal malignancies. In this article, a case report concerning this relationship is presented. <b>Methods:</b> Our research group presented a case of clear cell renal carcinoma in a 56-year-old male with UC who had previously undergone ileorectal anastomosis and subtotal colectomy. <b>Results:</b> The patient developed a complex renal cyst that progressed to malignancy within one year while on immunosuppressive therapy with infliximab and then filgotinib. Previous ultrasound examinations of the kidney highlighted only simple cysts in the contralateral kidney in previous years. The neoplasm was promptly examined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound, confirming the diagnosis of a Bosniak IV cyst, which was corroborated by a subsequent computed tomography study. <b>Conclusions:</b> The patient underwent a nephrectomy and is currently scheduled for therapy with vedolizumab. Given the increasing use of biologics and small molecules in UC management, periodic ultrasound screening may be a valuable tool for the long-term monitoring of these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"15 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12026009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}