Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex disorder influenced by genetic, environmental, and microbial factors, with emerging evidence highlighting the gut microbiome’s role in disease pathogenesis. This study investigates the impact of microbiome-targeted interventions in pediatric IBD by integrating multi-omics analysis, including metagenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and clinical biomarkers, to identify microbial dysbiosis patterns and potential therapeutic targets. A cohort of pediatric IBD patients underwent a personalized intervention involving dietary modifications, probiotic supplementation, and selective antibiotic therapy. Microbiome composition, inflammatory markers (fecal calprotectin, CRP), and disease activity scores (PCDAI/PUCAI) were assessed before and after treatment. At the 3-month follow-up, patients showed significant clinical improvement, with reduced stool frequency (p = 0.004) and improved stool consistency (p < 0.001). Symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain decreased, while energy levels increased (p < 0.001). Dietary changes included higher fruit, meat, and dairy intake, and lower fast-food and sweets consumption (p < 0.001). Physician assessments classified 90% as “improved”, reinforcing the effectiveness of personalized microbiome interventions. Microbiome-targeted interventions (diet, probiotics, and selective antibiotics) improved pediatric IBD outcomes by reducing pathogenic bacteria and increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing species, lowering inflammation and symptoms. Early-life factors (cesarean birth, and formula feeding) influence IBD risk. Personalized diets enhanced microbial balance. Integrating multi-omics supports precision medicine, offering microbiome-based biomarkers and reducing immunosuppressive reliance.

Purpose: The relationship between personality traits and cardiovascular disease has gathered sustained interest over the last years, type –D personality (TDP) being significantly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data regarding the connection between the TDP and the severity of CAD disease is scarce. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between TDP and the complexity of CAD, and to compare it with other sociodemographic and clinical features. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control clinical-based study on 221 consecutive hospitalized patients with chest pain (60 ± 10.2 years; 131 men), referred for coronary angiography. Results: TDP was identified in 42 (19%) patients, using the DS 14 scale. Symptomatology profile was evaluated using the SCL-90 scale. Syntax score was greater in the subgroup of patients with TDP in comparison to non-TDP subgroup (26.21± 12.03 vs 15.49± 8.89, respectively, p< 0.001), and most of SCL-90 symptom dimensions have significantly higher levels in the subgroup of TDP with CAD patients (all p < 0.05). Smoking (β=0.132, p=0.037), dyslipidemia (β=0.149, p=0.013), Diabetes Mellitus (β=232, p< 0.001), NA dimension of TDP (β=0.255, p< 0.001) and SI (β=0.279, p< 0.001) dimension of TDP have a significant contribution to the complexity of CAD assessed by Syntax score. Conclusion: TDP was associated with a more complex CAD assessed by Syntax score, and may represent a dynamic interface between the biological and psychological vulnerabilities and the symptoms of CAD.

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is characterized by chronic gut inflammation driven by microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. Current therapies primarily involve anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory strategies; however, many patients experience an inadequate response or a gradual loss of efficacy over time. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of personalized microbiome modulation (PMM)—an AI-driven intervention designed to restore microbial balance and improve key treatment outcomes such as symptom control and remission rates. Methods: This was a single-arm, open-label validation trial involving 27 patients with moderate-to-severe IBD who had experienced prior treatment failure. Participants underwent three months of PMM, which included personalized dietary modifications, targeted probiotic supplementation, and antimicrobial interventions based on gut microbiome sequencing. Primary outcomes included stool frequency and consistency as well as inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin), while secondary outcomes assessed nutritional status, metabolic function, and quality of life. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA to determine significant changes over time. Results: PMM led to significant clinical improvements, including a 58% reduction in stool frequency (p < 0.001) and improved stool consistency. CRP and fecal calprotectin levels decreased markedly (p < 0.001), suggesting reduced systemic inflammation. Additionally, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies improved (p < 0.001), alongside weight gain and increased energy levels. Notably, patients on anti-TNF biologics showed enhanced response rates, suggesting potential synergistic effects between microbiome modulation and biologic therapy. Conclusions: This study highlights PMM as a promising adjunctive therapy for IBD, demonstrating benefits across clinical, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters. While findings support the role of microbiome-targeted interventions in disease management, larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and applicability in broader patient populations.

This study hypothesized that botulinum toxin (Botox) therapy would sustainably reduce sweat production in axillary hyperhidrosis patients over one year and significantly improve various quality-of-life aspects, including psychological well-being, social interactions, and daily functioning. The objectives were to quantitatively measure changes in sweat production and qualitatively assess the evolving impact on patients’ quality of life over one year. Conducted prospectively at the Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, this study complied with ethical standards and included adults with primary axillary hyperhidrosis unresponsive to conventional treatments. Participants underwent Botox injections and were evaluated at baseline, six months, and one year, using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), WHOQOL-BREF, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), among other tools. Involving 81 patients, the study showed significant improvements in sweat production and quality-of-life metrics. Sweat production decreased from 0.81 g to 0.23 g per 15 min over one year (p < 0.001). HDSS scores reduced from 3.4 to 1.5, indicating a decrease in symptom severity (p < 0.001). The DLQI total score, assessing life quality impact, notably dropped from 19.9 to 6.9 (p < 0.001). Quality-of-life domains also showed significant improvements, especially in the social (from 65.3 to 73.4, p < 0.001) and environmental aspects (from 68.0 to 72.1, p < 0.001). Higher HDSS and sweat production were significantly associated with a lower quality of life on the DLQI (B coefficients of −4.1 and −2.5, respectively). Botulinum toxin therapy proved effective in reducing sweat production and improving the quality of life in axillary hyperhidrosis patients over a one-year period. These improvements were statistically significant in both physical and psychosocial domains. The study highlights the potential long-term benefits of Botox therapy for hyperhidrosis.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of blindness in premature infants. This study aimed to evaluate the association between inflammatory markers and ROP development in extremely premature and very premature neonates and identify potential inflammatory biomarkers for ROP risk prediction. This prospective study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023 in two clinical hospitals associated with the “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara. The study population comprised neonates with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks. Various inflammatory markers, including total white blood cell count, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and lactate dehydrogenase, were analyzed from blood samples collected at birth and three days postnatally. ROP was diagnosed and classified following the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The study included 48 neonates, 12 Extremely Premature Infants (EPI), and 36 Very Premature Infants (VPI). The EPI group had significantly higher mean interleukin-6 and lactate dehydrogenase levels at birth and three days postnatally than the VPI group. C-reactive protein levels at three days were significantly higher in the VPI group. Umbilical cord inflammation and ROP severity were found to have a statistically significant positive correlation. Half of the EPIs had moderate to severe ROP, significantly more than in the VPI group. The duration of oxygen supplementation, mechanical ventilation, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), gestational age less than 28 weeks, and umbilical cord inflammation at or above stage 3 were significant risk factors for developing ROP stage 2 or above. Elevated CRP and IL-6 were also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing ROP stage 2 or above, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for ROP risk prediction. This study suggests a significant association between inflammatory markers and ROP development in extremely premature and very premature neonates. These findings could contribute to the identification of potential inflammatory biomarkers for ROP risk prediction, improving early diagnosis and intervention strategies for this condition.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a leading cause of healthcare-associated morbidity, particularly in patients with indwelling urinary catheters. This study aimed to compare catheter-associated (CAUTIs) and non-catheter-associated UTIs of the lower tract among hospitalized adults in Western Romania, identify potential predictors of prolonged hospital stay, and explore the interplay of inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes. We retrospectively examined 130 patients diagnosed with UTIs from 2020 to 2024. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory parameters (CRP, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, white blood cell counts), and microbiology results were assessed. Patients were divided into CAUTI (n = 72) and non-catheter UTI (n = 58) groups. CAUTI patients had a significantly longer mean hospital stay (13.9 ± 4.3 vs. 11.7 ± 3.8 days, p = 0.01). E. coli (29.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.5%), and mixed flora (11.5%) predominated overall, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa trending higher in CAUTIs (15.3% vs. 5.2%). Diabetic status correlated with higher CRP (54.7 ± 18.2 vs. 46.9 ± 15.7 mg/dL, p = 0.04) and increased intensive care unit (ICU) admission (23.5% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.03). In a subgroup of 65 patients, CRP demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with length of stay (r = 0.47, p = 0.02). Logistic regression indicated that CAUTI was associated with 2.3-fold higher odds of extended hospitalization (95% CI: 1.2–4.4, p = 0.02), adjusting for age, diabetes, and CRP levels. CAUTIs are linked to more resistant pathogens, longer hospitalizations, and potentially greater clinical complications. Diabetes further compounds risk, as reflected in higher inflammatory markers and ICU admissions.