Background: Periapical surgery is indicated for persistent periapical lesions that do not respond to conventional endodontic therapy, yet postoperative recovery is often hindered by pain, swelling, and delayed healing. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are autologous biomaterials with regenerative potential, capable of modulating inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Methods: This preliminary randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of PRF membranes in improving postoperative outcomes—specifically pain, swelling, and quality of life—after apicoectomy. Twenty patients requiring periapical surgery were randomly allocated to a PRF group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). In the PRF group, autologous PRF membranes were applied over the resected root-end and into the osteotomy cavity before flap closure. In the control group, no PRF membranes or any additional biomaterial were applied, apart from the standard root-end filling material (MTA), which was identically used in both groups as part of the routine apicoectomy protocol. All patients were blinded to allocation, and outcomes were assessed by an independent blinded evaluator. Facial swelling was quantified by 3D facial scanning, pain was recorded daily using a visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life was evaluated with the PROMIS-29+2 Profile. Results: The PRF group showed significantly reduced swelling (mean volume difference, 7.12 cm³; p = 0.025), lower pain scores (VAS: 1.80 ± 1.22 vs. 3.80 ± 2.44; p = 0.034), and improved quality-of-life domains, including higher Physical Function (p = 0.032) and lower Sleep Disturbance (p = 0.008) scores. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this pilot study, PRF membranes enhanced postoperative recovery after periapical surgery by reducing swelling and pain while improving patient-reported outcomes. Larger multicenter trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Obesity and other unhealthy behaviors are behind cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with the Roma population particularly at risk. The aim of our cross-sectional (questionnaire- and physical measurements-based) study was to compare the prevalence of obesity in Hungarian, Romanian, and Slovakian Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma (N = 1893) in relation to lifestyle-related risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the total sample, the proportion of extreme obesity was higher in Roma (P < 0.001) than non-Roma. The mean waist circumference was the highest in Hungary (P < 0.001). Visceral fat was higher in the Hungarian Roma sample than in the Slovak (P = 0.006) or Romanian Roma samples (P = 0.005). Hungarian Roma total cholesterol levels were lower than in the Slovak (P < 0.001) or Romanian samples (P < 0.001). Hypertension and cholesterol levels were associated with a higher risk among non-Roma men (P < 0.001), and the presence of smoking increased CVD risk among both men (P = 0.024) and women (P < 0.001) in the Roma minority. The combined presence of several risk factors was found mainly in Roma. Overall, Roma scores were found to be worse, but ethnicity did not provide clear evidence for the questions examined, but rather the level of education, which is associated with socioeconomic status. Obesity and other unhealthy behaviors are behind cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with the Roma population particularly at risk. The aim of our cross-sectional (questionnaire- and physical measurements-based) study was to compare the prevalence of obesity in Hungarian, Romanian, and Slovakian Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma (N = 1893) in relation to lifestyle-related risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the total sample, the proportion of extreme obesity was higher in Roma (P < 0.001) than non-Roma. The mean waist circumference was the highest in Hungary (P < 0.001). Visceral fat was higher in the Hungarian Roma sample than in the Slovak (P = 0.006) or Romanian Roma samples (P = 0.005). Hungarian Roma total cholesterol levels were lower than in the Slovak (P < 0.001) or Romanian samples (P < 0.001). Hypertension and cholesterol levels were associated with a higher risk among non-Roma men (P < 0.001), and the presence of smoking increased CVD risk among both men (P = 0.024) and women (P < 0.001) in the Roma minority. The combined presence of several risk factors was found mainly in Roma. Overall, Roma scores were found to be worse, but ethnicity did not provide clear evidence for the questions examined, but rather the level of education, which is associated with socioeconomic status.

Introduction Obesity is the most threatening non-infectious disease of our time, the basis of many chronic diseases, increasing the mortality rate. The Roma ethnic minority is particularly affected. Materials and methods Cross-sectional–questionnaire and physical–survey in rural settlements of Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, where Roma live with the non-Roma, Hungarian-speaking population (N = 1893). Results The average BMI of the Hungarian (P < 0.001) and Romanian (P = 0.018) samples was significantly higher than that of the Slovak sample. In the case of Roma and non-Roma subjects, we found a significant difference in Hungary (P = 0.006) based on body composition, as well as in the case of visceral fat (P < 0.001). The extremely obese (<40 BMI) are mostly low educated in Romania and Hungary (P < 0.001), while those in normal weight have a tertiary education in Slovakia (P = 0.027). Hungarian Roma and non-Roma participants show significant differences in the physical activity dimension of the SF-36 questionnaire (P < 0.001), as well as in Romania (P < 0.001) and Slovakia (P = 0.002). Conclusions In summary, it can be stated that rural Roma subjects in Hungary are in the worst situation in terms of obesity in the three countries studied. In our study, the results in Slovakia clearly suggest a healthier lifestyle.

"Erratum to: A complex study of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in the Hungarian-speaking population of the Carpathian Basin, with a focus on the Roma minority" published on 19 Jun 2023 by Akadémiai Kiadó.