Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a neurodegenerative disease of the retina. The aim of our study was to analyze latency changes in a full-field electroretinogram (ERG) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Material: This prospective study included 15 diabetic patients without DR, 16 diabetic patients with non-proliferative DR, 14 patients with pre-proliferative DR, 15 patients with proliferative DR, and 14 age-matched controls. All the participants underwent ophthalmologic examination and full-field ERGs. The ERGs were recorded with the Metrovision MonPackOne system. The latencies were analyzed for “a”- and “b”-waves in the dark-adapted (DA) 0.01 ERG, DA 3.0 ERG, DA oscillatory potentials, light-adapted (LA) 3.0 ERG, and 30 Hz flicker ERG. Results: The delayed responses of healthy subjects compared to diabetic patients without DR were the DA oscillatory potentials (25.45 ± 1.04 ms vs. 26.15 ± 0.96 ms, p = 0.027). When comparing diabetic patients without DR and with non-proliferative DR, we did not obtain statistically significant delays. Significant delays in the DA 0.01 “b”-wave (61.91 ± 5.52 ms vs. 66.36 ± 8.12 ms, p = 0.029), DA 3.0 “b”-wave (41.01 ± 2.50 ms vs. 44.16 ± 3.78 ms, p = 0.035), and LA 3.0 “a”-wave (16.21 ± 0.91 ms vs. 16.99 ± 1.16 ms, p = 0.045) were found between non-proliferative DR and pre-proliferative DR. When comparing the groups of patients with pre-proliferative DR and proliferative DR, the LA 3.0 ERG “b”-wave (32. 63 ± 2.53 ms vs. 36.19 ± 3.21 ms, p < 0.0001), LA 30 Hz flicker ERG “a”-wave (19.56 ± 3.59 vs. 21.75 ± 4.74 ms, p= 0.025), and “b”-wave (32.23 ± 4.02 vs. 36.68 ± 3.48 ms, p = 0.017) were delayed. Conclusions: the electrophysiological findings from our study indicate that there is a substantial dysfunction of the neural retina in all stages of DR.

Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammation and psychosocial factors significantly influence cancer progression and patient behavior in seeking medical care. Understanding their interplay is essential for enhancing early detection and developing personalized treatment strategies. This study aims to develop a comprehensive patient profiling model by comparing non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The goal is to identify common and distinct patterns in inflammation and psychosocial factors that affect disease progression and clinical presentation. Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of patients diagnosed with NMSC and CRC, integrating clinical data with sociodemographic and psychological assessments. Advanced neural network algorithms were employed to detect subtle patterns and interactions among these factors. Based on the analysis, a cancer risk assessment questionnaire was developed to stratify patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories. Results: Patients with low systemic inflammation and adequate vagal tone, supported by a stable family environment, demonstrated heightened sensitivity to subclinical symptoms, enabling earlier diagnosis and timely intervention. Conversely, patients with high systemic inflammation and reduced vagal tone, often influenced by chronic stress and unstable family environments, presented at more advanced disease stages. The developed risk assessment tool effectively classified patients into distinct risk categories, facilitating targeted preventive measures and personalized therapeutic strategies. Neural network profiling revealed significant interactions between biological and psychosocial factors, enhancing our understanding of their combined impact on cancer progression. Conclusions: The integrated profiling approach and the newly developed risk assessment questionnaire have the potential to transform cancer management by improving early detection, personalizing treatment strategies, and addressing psychosocial factors. This model not only enhances clinical outcomes and patient quality of life but also offers a framework adaptable to other cancer types, promoting a holistic and patient-centered approach in oncology.

Eales disease manifests as an obliterative periphlebitis affecting the retina; it originates from the periphery and progresses posteriorly. It is characterized by retinal vessel wall inflammation, ischemia, and retinal neovascularization. In this report, we present the case of a 34-year-old male who attended our clinic with a sudden blurring of vision in his right eye. A diagnosis of bilateral retinal vasculitis with vitreal hemorrhage was ascertained in his RE. A dilated ocular fundus examination revealed perivenous sheathing of the peripheral vessels in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography indicated dye staining, vessel obliteration, capillary drop-out, areas of non-perfusion and the formation of new vessels. Laboratory tests revealed positive results for Borrelia; a PPD skin test and QuantiFERON TB assay were also positive. The patient underwent bilateral retinal laser pan-photocoagulation, followed by systemic treatment with oral steroids, cephazoline, isoniazid, azathioprine, and entecavir. The steroid dose was progressively reduced over 10 months; the treatment with azathioprine continues, as we are monitoring the patient over the long term. After 3 months, the vasculitis had regressed without any vitreal hemorrhage recurrence. Vision acuity improved from 0.4 to 1 in the patient’s right eye. A multidisciplinary approach, which included collaborative management with gastroenterology, infectious disease, pulmonology, and rheumatology specialists, was essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow up of the patient.

Background/Objectives: Fixed prosthetic dentures (FPD) represent a reliable treatment option to rehabilitate oral function and aesthetics. The concentration of loads at a certain level of the bridge causes overloading of the bridge components. The objectives of this study were to identify the frequency and severity of complications in FPDs associated with occlusal overload for patients prosthetically treated with metal–ceramic and metal–acrylic FPDs. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional clinical study included 306 patients of both sexes, aged 30+, with an FPD requiring rehabilitation. The following data were collected: general demographic data of the patients, data on dental bridges, data on occlusal overloads, and complications of FPDs according to severity. Statistical processing was performed in SPSS. Results: Metal–ceramic FPDs had more abutment teeth (p = 0.035), fewer intermediaries (p < 0.0005), and less severe complications (p = 0.001). Maxillary FPDs had a higher number of abutment teeth, compared to mandible FPDs (p < 0.001). As the life duration of the FPDs increased, the number of intermediaries and the severity grade also increased (p < 0.001). Compared to intercalated and pontics, cantilever pontics of FPDs had a longer duration (p < 0.001), a lower number of intermediaries (p < 0.001), and a higher severity grade (p < 0.001). The presence of occlusal interferences was associated only with a lower FPD duration (p = 0.007). The presence of unbalanced occlusion planes was associated with a higher severity grade, while the presence of shortened arches was associated with a longer FPD duration (p < 0.001), a higher number of intermediaries (p = 0.005), and a higher severity grade (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most severe complications of FPDs were recorded in the case of shortened arches and cantilever bridges. This study draws attention to the need for preprosthetic and postprosthetic occlusal balancing and the need for complete rehabilitation of the dental arches.

Background/Objectives: Fixed partial dentures (FPD) are intended to restore the impaired functions of the dento-maxillary system (DMS) following the onset of partial edentulism. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of risk factors represented by caries predisposition (DMFT index - decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth), oral hygiene, bruxism and smoking with FPD complications. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 428 patients who presented to the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova for various complications related to FPD. Biological, technical, and aesthetic complications were identified in terms of their frequency and their association with risk factors, including caries predisposition quantified by the DMFT index, oral hygiene, bruxism, and smoking status. Associations were assessed using Pearson’s chi-square tests and Mann–Whitney U tests (two-sided, α = 0.05), performed in IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The DMFT index showed elevated values, 16.41 ± 4.43 in subjects aged ≤45 years and 18.39 ± 4.89 in subjects aged >45 years. Oral hygiene was satisfactory in a percentage of 75.82%, bruxism was present in 38%, and 40.52% were smokers. Regarding FPD complications, 94.77% were biological, 86.27% were technical, and 85.62% were aesthetic. Conclusions: Caries predisposition, assessed by the DMFT index, and smoking were associated with a higher frequency of biological complications. Bruxism and smoking were associated with technical complications, while unsatisfactory oral hygiene and smoking were associated with aesthetic complications.

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted persistent limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly the difficulty of maintaining rapid and repeated hand hygiene during uninterrupted patient care. To address this challenge, we developed and performed a preliminary benchtop validation of a lightweight proof-of-concept face shield integrating an on-demand disinfectant reservoir for immediate point-of-care hand sanitisation. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary clinical–engineering team designed a dual-function wearable system consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) visor (23 × 23 cm; 0.20 mm) and a modular disinfectant reservoir with capacities of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mL. The prototype was developed using computer-aided design, fused deposition modelling three-dimensional printing, and PETG thermoforming. A touch-activated self-sealing valve delivered approximately 3 mL of disinfectant per activation. No human participants were involved. Benchtop testing evaluated dispensing consistency, valve resealing, leak-tightness, attachment stability, chemical compatibility with alcohol-based disinfectants, and mechanical durability under repeated fill–drain cycles. Ergonomic assessment was limited to biomechanical modelling of mass distribution and estimated cervical torque. Results: The visor weighed 13.4 g, while the complete system weighed 103.4 g when empty and 203.4 g when loaded with 100 mL of disinfectant. Estimated cervical torque increased from 0.084 N·m to 0.282 N·m under maximum-load conditions. The prototype demonstrated reproducible disinfectant dispensing within predefined acceptance criteria, reliable valve resealing, absence of continuous leakage, secure reservoir attachment, and preserved PETG stability following exposure to alcohol-based disinfectants. Minor early dispensing variability and superficial contact wear were observed but did not impair device functionality. The estimated prototype material cost was approximately €10–20 (US$11–22). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the technical feasibility of integrating facial protection with immediate on-demand hand sanitisation within a single reusable wearable device. The prototype achieved predefined engineering and performance endpoints during benchtop testing while maintaining low estimated material costs and a modular design. Further studies involving human participants, microbiological evaluation, ergonomic validation, and clinical usability testing are required before clinical implementation can be considered.