Since we aim to test new options to find medication for cognitive disorders, we have begun to assess the effect of semaglutide and to conduct a review gathering studies that have attempted this purpose. This systematic review focuses on the cognitive effects of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in the context of neurological and cognitive impairment. Semaglutide, a synthetic GLP-1 analog, showcased neuroprotective effects beyond metabolic regulation. It mitigated apoptosis and improved cognitive dysfunction in cerebrovascular disease, suggesting broader implications for neurological well-being. Also, studies highlighted GLP-1 RAs’ positive impact on olfactory function in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, on neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and endotoxemia. In order to analyze current studies that assess the impact of semaglutide on cognitive function, a literature search was conducted up to February 2024 on two online databases, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science Core Collection, as well as various websites. Fifteen studies on mice populations and two studies on cell lines were included, analyzed, and assessed with bias-specific tools. The neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties of GLP-1 and its analogs were emphasized, with animal models and cell line studies demonstrating enhanced cognitive function. While promising, limitations include fewer studies, highlighting the need for extensive research, particularly in the human population. Even though this medication seems promising, there are significant limitations, one of which is the lack of studies on human subjects. Therefore, this review aims to gather current evidence.

Background and Objectives: Maternal–fetal gestational pathology is one of the biggest challenges in the field of health at this moment. The current study is designed to determine the effects of vitamin D on pregnancy, starting with the idea that impairment of vitamin D status is thought to be correlated with impairment of the newborn’s health. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we tried to establish the link between vitamin D deficiency and maternal characteristics and also how it impacted the clinical status of the newborn. We analyzed a group of 260 patients: 130 pregnant women and 130 newborns, in whom vitamin D status was detected using the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D). Results: The results showed that vitamin D deficiency has a high incidence among pregnant women, as was presented in many important international studies. Our study also showed a positive, direct correlation between the mother’s and newborn’s vitamin D status. Conclusions: Taking into consideration that vitamin D deficiency has been correlated with many complications, both in maternal and newborn health, a serum level determination of 25-(OH)D is necessary in the first trimester of pregnancy, and after that, adequate supplementation is necessary in order to prevent any negative effects.

Background and Objectives: Skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies. The main goal of the therapeutic management is total excision with the prevention of recurrence and metastasis. The quality of life of the patients with skin cancer is affected by the morbidity risk, surgery, and cosmetic or functional aspects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with skin cancer prior to and post surgical intervention. Material and methods: We performed a prospective study on 247 patients with skin tumors. Quality of life was evaluated through an initial questionnaire that was given to all consenting patients. This was used to determine patients’ mobility, selfcare, normal activities, pain, and despair, using a five-point Likert scale. The general autoperceived health state was also recorded using a 100-point scale. The study included the responses of all patients at hospital admission, after one month of surgery, and after one year of surgery. Results: In patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the general health state indicator statistically significantly decreased one month after surgery and increased at one-year follow-up. In malignant melanoma (MM) patients, mobility, selfcare, normal activities, and discomfort presented a decrease in values one year after surgery, compared to the values registered at hospital admission. In patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), all indicators of quality of life presented an impaired value one year after surgery, after a decreasing trend. The general health state indicator statistically significantly increased one month after surgery and after one year. Conclusions: Surgery is one of the main steps in treating skin cancer. It has a great impact on patients’ quality of life because of pain andthe effect on mobility and normal activities. Skin cancers influence the quality of life of patients both psychologicallyand physically.

Background: Skin grafting is a helpful instrument in a plastic surgeon’s arsenal. Several types of dressings were designed to facilitate the process of graft integration. Negative-pressure wound therapy is a proven dressing method, enhancing graft survival through several mechanisms: aspiration of secretions, stimulation of neoangiogenesis, and promotion of an anti-inflammatory environment. Silver nanoparticle dressings also bring multiple benefits by bearing an antimicrobial effect and providing a humid medium, which are favorable for epithelialization. The combination of NPWT (negative-pressure wound therapy) with AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) has not been widely studied. Materials and methods: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of silver nanoparticle sheets with the combination of negative-pressure wound therapy and silver nanoparticle dressings. We conducted a comparative prospective study on 80 patients admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu” Emergency Clinical Hospital between 1st of January 2020 and 31st of December 2022. The study population was randomized to receive either silver nanoparticle dressings or negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) combined with silver nanoparticle dressings. Various parameters were monitored, including patient comorbidities and graft-related data such as defect etiology, graft integration, and graft size. Dressings were changed, and graft status was evaluated at 7, 10, and 14 days postoperatively. Additionally, baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before surgery and 7, 10, and 14 days postoperatively. Results: The study demonstrated an enhanced integration of skin grafts at all evaluation stages when employing NPWT combined with AgNPs, particularly evident 10 days post operation. Significant variations in graft integration were also observed based on factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, graft size, or the origin of the grafted defect. Moreover, dynamic C-reactive protein monitoring showed a statistically significant decrease in CRP levels 10 days post operation among patients treated with NPWT in conjunction with silver dressing, consistent with the nearly complete integration of skin grafts at this evaluation threshold. Conclusion: Several factors influence the postoperative evolution of split-skin grafts. Postoperative dressings target local factors to enhance graft integration further. Our research demonstrated that the innovative combination of NPWT-assisted dressings, complemented by a silver nanoparticle sheet, resulted in improved benefits for graft integration and the alleviation of systemic inflammation.

Background and Objectives: The Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome is a congenital condition in which patients are born with vaginal and uterus agenesis, affecting the ability to have a normal sexual life and to bear children. Vaginal reconstruction is a challenging procedure for plastic surgeons. The aim of this study is to report our experience in the management of twelve patients with congenital absence of the vagina due to the MRKH syndrome. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 12 patients admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of the Clinical Emergency Hospital “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu”, Bucharest, Romania, for vaginal reconstruction within a period of eleven years (January 2009–December 2019). All patients were diagnosed by the gynaecologists with vaginal agenesis, as part of the Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome. The Abbe‘–McIndoe technique with an autologous skin graft was performed in all cases. Results: The average age of our patients was 20.16 (16–28) years. All patients were 46 XX. The average surgical timing was 3.05 h (range 2.85–4h). Postoperative rectovaginal fistula was encountered in 1 patient. Postoperative average vaginal length was 10.4 cm (range 9.8–12.1 cm). Regular sexual life was achieved in 10 patients. Conclusion: Nowadays, there is no established standard method of vaginal reconstruction. In Romania, the McIndoe technique is the most applied. Unfortunately, even if the MRKH syndrome is not uncommon, less and less surgeons are willing to perform the procedure to create a neovagina.

Background and objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The immunohistochemical profile, but also the stage of the tumor determines the therapeutic management, which varies from conservative surgery to mastectomy associated with chemotherapy, hormonal and biological therapy and/or radiotherapy. Mastectomy remains one of the most radical surgical intervention for women, having great consequences on quality of life, which can be improved by realizing immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the period of time between the mastectomy and the breast reconstruction. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study on 57 female patients admitted to the Plastic Surgery Department of the Clinical Emergency Hospital “Prof. Dr. Agrippa Ionescu”, Bucharest, Romania. All the patients underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy for confirmed breast cancer. Descriptive data analysis was realized with evaluation of type of breast reconstruction considering the staging of the tumor, the invaded lymph nodes, and the necessity of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, the median period between mastectomy and reconstruction was evaluated. Results: The immediate breast reconstruction was performed in patients with stage I, in patients with stage II, delayed reconstruction was performed after minimum six months, and the patients with stage III had the breast reconstructed with free flap (50%), 8–43 months post-mastectomy. Radiotherapy determines the type of breast reconstruction, in most of the cases the latissimus dorsi flap was used with implant (22.6%). Conclusions: Breast reconstruction is an important step in increasing the quality of life for women who underwent mastectomy after breast cancer. The proper timing for breast reconstruction must be settled by a team formed by the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the oncologist.