Diana Szekely

Dr. Diana Szekely


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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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DNDorin Novacescu
Dorin Novacescu
Cristina-Stefania DumitruCristina-Stefania Dumitru
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
Flavia BadercaFlavia Baderca
Flavia Baderca
MRMarius L. Raica
Marius L. Raica
CSCristian Silviu Suciu
Cristian Silviu Suciu
PGPusa Nela Gaje
Pusa Nela Gaje
Odontogenesis, the development of teeth, is a complex, multistage process that unfolds from early embryogenesis through tooth eruption and maturation. It serves as a classical model of organogenesis due to the intricate reciprocal interactions between cranial neural crest-derived mesenchyme and oral epithelium. This narrative review synthesizes current scientific knowledge on human tooth development, tracing the journey from the embryological origins in the first branchial arch to the formation of a fully functional tooth and its supporting structures. Key morphogenetic stages—bud, cap, bell, apposition, and root formation—are described in detail, highlighting the cellular events and histological features characterizing each stage. We discuss the molecular and cellular regulatory networks that orchestrate odontogenesis, including the conserved signaling pathways (Wnt, BMP, FGF, SHH, EDA) and transcription factors (e.g., PAX9, MSX1/2, PITX2) that drive tissue patterning and cell differentiation. The coordinated development of supporting periodontal tissues (cementum, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, gingiva) is also examined as an integral part of tooth organogenesis. Finally, developmental anomalies (such as variations in tooth number, size, and form) and the fate of residual embryonic epithelial cells are reviewed to underscore the clinical significance of developmental processes. Understanding the normal course of odontogenesis provides crucial insight into congenital dental disorders and lays a foundation for advances in regenerative dental medicine.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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IVIoana Vornic
Ioana Vornic
RCRadu Caprariu
Radu Caprariu
DNDorin Novacescu
Dorin Novacescu
ABAlina Cristina Barb
Alina Cristina Barb
VBVictor Bogdan Buciu
Victor Bogdan Buciu
Cristina-Stefania DumitruCristina-Stefania Dumitru
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
Placental dysfunction underlies the major obstetric syndromes, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta spectrum, pregnancy loss, and monochorionic twin complications. Recent molecular studies have revealed that dysregulated oxygen sensing, impaired angiogenic signaling, altered immune tolerance, and defective trophoblast fusion represent shared pathogenic pathways that converge across these disorders. Integrating morphological evidence with mechanistic data highlights how villous maldevelopment, shallow trophoblast invasion, and aberrant vascular remodeling translate into clinical disease. Advances in biomarker research have already transformed clinical care: the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is now established in the prediction and management of preeclampsia, while placental proteins such as PAPP-A and PP13, nucleic acid signatures including cfDNA, cfRNA and miRNAs, and extracellular vesicle cargo show promising potential for early, non-invasive detection of placental pathology. Multi-omics approaches, particularly single-cell and spatial transcriptomics combined with proteomic and metabolomic profiling, are paving the way for composite diagnostic panels that capture the polygenic and multicellular nature of placental disease. This review synthesizes current knowledge of molecular mechanisms, histological correlates, and translational biomarkers, and outlines how precision obstetrics may emerge from bridging mechanistic discoveries with clinical applications.

12 September 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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SESorina Enasoni
Sorina Enasoni
DSDiana Szekely
Diana Szekely
MCMioara Raluca Cosoroaba
Mioara Raluca Cosoroaba
Flavia BadercaFlavia Baderca
Flavia Baderca
DNDorin Novacescu
Dorin Novacescu
AEAlexandra Enache
Alexandra Enache
Background/Objectives: Healthcare workers in chronic care hospitals are vulnerable to psychosocial risks such as burnout and moral injury due to prolonged patient exposure and limited institutional support. This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and moral injury among staff at the Chronic Diseases Hospital of Sebiș, Romania, and examined their associations with perceived stress and managerial support. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and October 2024, including 62 healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, and auxiliary staff). Participants completed a sociodemographic survey, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Health Professional (MISS-HP), and additional items on perceived stress and institutional support. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation matrices, and logistic regression. Results: High emotional exhaustion (MBI-EE ≥ 27) was reported by 45.2% of participants, with the highest rates among nurses (50%) and auxiliary staff (45.5%). Mean moral injury scores were moderate (mean = 5.3), with elevated levels observed in nurses and auxiliary staff. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no strong linear associations between burnout dimensions and moral injury. Logistic regression did not identify emotional exhaustion, perceived stress, or support as significant predictors of high moral injury. Conclusions: Burnout and moral injury are prevalent but appear to be partially dissociated in this Romanian chronic care setting. Moral injury may arise from contextual ethical pressures beyond general occupational strain. Interventions should focus on ethical climate, institutional responsiveness, and peer-based moral support to enhance staff resilience.

3 August 2025 in Life
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DSDiana Szekely
Diana Szekely
Flavia BadercaFlavia Baderca
Flavia Baderca
RPRaul Patrascu
Raul Patrascu
Cristina-Stefania DumitruCristina-Stefania Dumitru
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
DNDorin Novacescu
Dorin Novacescu
GIGheorghe Iovanescu
Gheorghe Iovanescu
Chronic nasopharyngeal and otic disorders in children represent a significant clinical challenge due to their multifactorial etiology, variable presentation, and frequent resistance to standard therapies. Although often approached from a symptomatic or anatomical perspective, these conditions are deeply rooted in histological and molecular alterations that sustain inflammation, impair mucosal function, and promote recurrence. This narrative review synthesizes the current knowledge on the normal histology of the nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, and middle ear, and explores key pathophysiological mechanisms, including epithelial remodeling, immune cell infiltration, cytokine imbalance, and tissue fibrosis. Special emphasis is placed on the role of immunohistochemistry in defining inflammatory phenotypes, barrier dysfunction, and remodeling pathways. The presence of biofilm, epithelial plasticity, and dysregulated cytokine signaling are also discussed as contributors to disease chronicity. These findings have direct implications for diagnosis, therapeutic stratification, and postoperative monitoring. By integrating histological, immunological, and molecular data, clinicians can better characterize disease subtypes, anticipate treatment outcomes, and move toward a more personalized and biologically informed model of pediatric ENT care.

23 July 2025 in Life
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Journal Article
Open access
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Cristina-Stefania DumitruCristina-Stefania Dumitru
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
Flavia BadercaFlavia Baderca
Flavia Baderca
DNDorin Novacescu
Dorin Novacescu
DSDiana Szekely
Diana Szekely
DIDan Iovanescu
Dan Iovanescu
CDCatalin Dumitru
Catalin Dumitru
Pregnancy rhinitis (PR) is a transient, non-infectious nasal condition affecting a significant number of pregnant women, yet often remains underdiagnosed or misclassified. It can substantially impact maternal quality of life, sleep, and even fetal oxygenation. This narrative review explores the current understanding of PR, including hormonal and vascular mechanisms, clinical criteria, and therapeutic approaches considered safe during pregnancy. Despite increasing recognition, the differentiation between PR and other rhinitis forms remains challenging. Limited therapeutic options and the absence of standard diagnostic guidelines further complicate management. Evidence supports a multifactorial etiology involving estrogen, progesterone, and placental growth factors. Non-pharmacologic strategies are first-line, while pharmacological interventions are cautiously employed. PR is a distinct and clinically relevant condition requiring increased awareness among ENT and obstetric professionals. Future research should focus on standardized diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment protocols to improve maternal–fetal outcomes.

13 March 2026 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DSDiana Szekely
Diana Szekely
Flavia BadercaFlavia Baderca
Flavia Baderca
RPRaul Patrascu
Raul Patrascu
Cristina-Stefania DumitruCristina-Stefania Dumitru
Cristina-Stefania Dumitru
ABAlina Cristina Barb
Alina Cristina Barb
GIGheorghe Iovanescu
Gheorghe Iovanescu
Background and Objectives: Chronic adenoiditis is a major contributor to persistent middle ear dysfunction (PMED) in children; however, clinical evolution varies considerably despite similar anatomical obstruction. This study aimed to identify inflammatory endotypes of chronic adenoiditis using unsupervised clustering and to evaluate their association with PMED through mechanistic and predictive modeling. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of 236 children (3–12 years) with chronic adenoiditis and otitis media with effusion was analyzed. Clinical, endoscopic, audiological, and hematologic inflammatory parameters (eosinophils, NLR, ELR, CRP, IgE) were included. K-means clustering identified inflammatory endotypes. Associations with PMED at six months were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression and mediation analysis. Predictive performance was compared using logistic regression, random forest, and gradient boosting models, with SHAP-based interpretability and decision curve analysis. Results: Three distinct endotypes were identified: eosinophilic (28%), neutrophilic (41%), and fibrotic–obstructive (31%). PMED occurred in 44% of the fibrotic endotype compared with 22% in the eosinophilic group (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the fibrotic endotype independently predicted PMED (OR = 3.48, 95% CI 1.92–6.31), alongside PTA > 30 dB (OR = 2.91) and NLR > 3.5 (OR = 2.36). Mediation analysis showed that hearing impairment accounted for 34% of the effect of anatomical obstruction on persistence. Gradient boosting achieved superior discrimination (AUC = 0.90) and demonstrated the highest net clinical benefit. Conclusions: Chronic adenoiditis comprises biologically distinct inflammatory endotypes with differential risk of persistent middle ear dysfunction. Integrating inflammatory profiling with machine learning enhances mechanistic understanding and risk stratification, supporting precision-based management in pediatric otorhinolaryngology.