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The aim of this study was to detect the concentrations of PCSK9 in various subclinical stages of atherosclerosis and to highlight its relationship with inflammation. One hundred and fifty-nine healthy patients were divided into three groups, based on the extent of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid artery: a group without identifiable atherosclerosis, cIMT>75‰ and an asymptomatic plaque group. The PCSK9 was measured by ELISA and hsCRP by the immunoturbidimetric method. Vascular changes were identified by a carotid ultrasound. PCSK9 was elevated, when comparing the healthy group with the cIMT>75‰ group; however, no significant increase was detected between cIMT>75‰ and the asymptomatic plaque group. A positive linear correlation of the PCSK9 concentration and atherosclerotic changes was found; however, after the re-analysis in each group, this correlation persisted only in the group with still normal values. Additionally, a significant linear correlation was found between the PCSK9 concentrations and lipid parameters. However, no significant association was found with hsCRP. PCSK9 was found to be elevated only in cIMT>75‰, but not in the later plaque stage. A linear correlation of PCSK9 values was detected only in the group with still reference values. Based on this fact, we assumed the direct linear role of PCSK9 in initiating atherosclerosis; however, in the later phases, the relationship, which highlights other risk factors such as inflammation, is not linear.

Understanding the profound impact of a viral pandemic on the mental health of patients with autoimmune diseases undergoing biological treatment is crucial for future insights. This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to assess the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Romania, spanning from November 2022 to March 2023. A specialized self-report questionnaire in the Romanian language was developed to measure the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of these patients. The findings revealed a significant decline in the mental health of patients with IBD during the pandemic compared to the control group. Patients with IBD exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and concern regarding the virus. Intriguingly, despite the challenges, the vaccination rate was notably higher among patients with IBD, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding their health. The study also shed light on various coping mechanisms employed by patients with IBD to navigate the pandemic-related restrictions. Engaging in activities such as social media and computer games emerged as effective strategies for managing heightened stress and limitations. In conclusion, the emergence of a novel viral pathogen represents a significant distress factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. Recognizing and comprehending these consequences enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between physical and mental health and equips authorities with valuable insights to better manage future epidemics or viral outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of tailored support systems and strategies for patients with autoimmune diseases during global health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections in the Roma population in Cluj County, Romania. It mentions that the prevalence of HBV in the Roma population was much higher than in the general non-Roma Romanian population, while the prevalence of HCV was moderately higher. The authors emphasize the need to prioritize the Roma population in the management of viral hepatitis to achieve the World Health Organization's elimination targets for 2030.

This article focuses on the development of European institutional repositories web security in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). Since the first analysis in June 2016, we have been still using the same three independent online tools to measure the web security score of these repositories. In case of data transfer, the qualitative aspects of the secured HTTPS protocol are as important as implementing the protocol itself. Our analysis is directly related to the previously published article where we examined the selected group of LIS repositories. Now, we are focusing on the summarization of improvements made between 2016-2018. These are based on periodical annual measurements. These may contribute to increasing the security level of repositories not only in Europe, but also with respect to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulation which came into force a few months ago. It is significant because the GDPR focuses, inter alia, on the ways of sensitive data transfer over the internet networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]