Laura Corina Nicolescu

Laura Corina Nicolescu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 February 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAlin Gabriel Mihu
Alin Gabriel Mihu
CNCristian Nicolescu
Cristian Nicolescu
CMConstantin Catalin Marc
Constantin Catalin Marc
CBCasiana Boru
Casiana Boru
MSMonica Maria Susan
Monica Maria Susan
Tudor Rares OlariuTudor Rares Olariu
Tudor Rares Olariu
Background and Objectives: Adequate levels of vitamin D are vital for both growth and immunomodulation in children. To evaluate the levels of vitamin D in children from Western Romania and to identify significant age, seasonal, and geographical disparities. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels assessed on Cobas 6000’s module e601 in 1698 children aged 1–18 years between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021 from Western Romania. Results: Children aged 1–6 years predominantly present sufficient levels (>30 ng/mL), while older age groups showed a marked decline. Adolescents aged 13–18 years were most affected, with over half displaying insufficient levels (20–30 ng/mL). Rural children were more likely to achieve sufficiency compared to urban peers. Males demonstrated significantly higher vitamin D levels when compared to females. Seasonal variations showed the highest vitamin D levels during late summer and early autumn (September: aOR = 5.47; 95% CI: 3.17–9.42, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant improvement in vitamin D levels during 2019–2020. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the need for targeted screening programs and health policies to address vitamin D deficiency, particularly among older children, urban residents and during winter months.

9 November 2026 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
STSebastian Tirla
Sebastian Tirla
AGAnamaria Gherle
Anamaria Gherle
MCMariana Lidia Cevei
Mariana Lidia Cevei
LNLaura Corina Nicolescu
Laura Corina Nicolescu
Carmen Delia Nistor CseppentoCarmen Delia Nistor Cseppento
Carmen Delia Nistor Cseppento
Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is frequently associated with recurrent exacerbations, incomplete symptom resolution, and functional limitations. This study aimed to characterize retrospectively reported symptom patterns over the preceding 12 months in hospitalized adults with chronic LBP and to examine the cross-sectional association between systemic comorbidity burden, assessed using the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), and the absence of sustained pain-free periods. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 97 consecutively enrolled hospitalized patients with chronic LBP (mean age 66.61 ± 10.01 years; 74.2% women; mean body mass index 33.14 ± 6.10 kg/m2). Symptom characteristics over the preceding 12 months, including exacerbation frequency and duration, inter-episode recovery, sustained pain-free periods, and perceived symptom evolution, were assessed using a structured, non-validated clinical questionnaire. Functional limitations were evaluated using a single self-reported item. Comorbidity burden was quantified using the ACCI. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, while the association between ACCI and the absence of sustained remission was examined using Spearman correlation and unadjusted binary logistic regression. Results: Frequent exacerbations were reported by 77.3% (95% CI 68.0–84.5) of participants, who experienced at least three episodes annually, including 42.3% reporting six or more episodes. Incomplete inter-episode recovery was reported by 84.5%, while 59.8% (95% CI 49.8–69.0) experienced no sustained pain-free period lasting at least one month. Self-reported functional limitations were present in 92.8% (95% CI 85.8–96.5) of participants, with 56.7% reporting moderate and 36.1% severe limitations. Overall, 66.0% retrospectively reported unchanged or worsening symptoms. The mean ACCI was 3.55 ± 1.75. The association between ACCI and the absence of sustained remission was weak and not statistically significant (Spearman ρ = 0.117, p = 0.253). Unadjusted logistic regression yielded an odds ratio of 1.17 per ACCI point (95% CI 0.92–1.49; p = 0.208). Conclusions: Hospitalized adults with chronic LBP frequently reported recurrent exacerbations, incomplete inter-episode recovery, absence of sustained remission, and substantial perceived functional limitations. No statistically significant association between ACCI and the absence of sustained remission was detected; however, the confidence interval does not exclude a potentially meaningful association. These findings highlight the importance of multidimensional clinical assessment, while the cross-sectional design and retrospective symptom reporting preclude causal, prognostic, or longitudinal interpretations.