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Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), presents a significant global health concern, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and congenitally infected newborns. Despite its widespread prevalence, there are limited data on T. gondii seroprevalence and ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. This review aims to summarize the research accomplished on the prevalence and epidemiology of human ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. Ocular toxoplasmosis, a leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis worldwide, involves complex interactions between host immune responses and parasite factors. Clinically, it presents as focal necrotizing retinitis, characterized by active focal retinal lesions with adjacent chorioretinal scarring, often accompanied by vitreous inflammation and anterior chamber reactions. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination supported by fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and serological assays. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards, conducting a literature review on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Our focus was on ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania, and we used keywords and specific MeSH terms. Finally, 17 articles met all the criteria, as summarized in the PRISMA diagram. This study underscores the need for improved diagnostic methods, increased research efforts, and comprehensive public health education to mitigate the burden of toxoplasmosis and ocular toxoplasmosis in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, action, or both, with a global prevalence that has tripled in recent decades. This condition poses significant public health challenges, affecting individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. Among its numerous complications, ocular surface disease (OSD) is a significant concern, yet understanding its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management remains challenging. This review aims to explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies of diabetes-related OSD. The ocular surface, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and associated structures, is vital for maintaining eye health, with the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) playing a crucial role in tear film regulation. In DM, changes in glycosaminoglycan metabolism, collagen synthesis, oxygen consumption, and LFU dysfunction contribute to ocular complications. Persistent hyperglycemia leads to the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules, resulting in neuropathy, tear film abnormalities, and epithelial lesions. Recent advances in molecular research and therapeutic modalities, such as gene and stem cell therapies, show promise for managing diabetic ocular complications. Future research should focus on pathogenetically oriented therapies for diabetic neuropathy and keratopathy, transitioning from animal models to clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal keratitis represents a potentially sight-threatening infection associated with poor prognosis, as well as financial burden. Novel diagnostic methods include polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based approaches, metagenomic deep sequences, in vivo confocal microscopy, and antifungal susceptibility testing. The ideal therapeutic approaches and outcomes have been widely discussed in recent times, with early therapy being of the utmost importance for the preservation of visual acuity, minimizing corneal damage and reducing the scar size. However, combination therapy can be more efficacious compared to monotherapy. Understanding the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies can be of great importance. In this narrative, we discuss the recent progress that may aid our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mycotic keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simvastatin, a lipid-lowering drug from the statins group, is used in various dyslipidemias. It appears like a very useful medication to decrease the level of total cholesterol, of the low-density-lipids and triglycerides from blood, but it is well-known that the administration of statins have serious side effects, like muscle pain and weakness that can lead to kidney damage, rash on the skin and inflammation of the joints and of the blood vessels, shortness of breath, inflammation of the liver, dark urine, anemia, memory and sleep disorders, and problems in performing the sexual act. The main aims of this research were to obtain and to characterize a polymer carrier used for the transmembrane transfer of simvastatin. Hepatic arterial variations are common knowledge and it has been studied that these types of arteries have a narrower endoluminal diameter, therefore the patients may be prone to develop atherosclerosis more rapid that the ones with standard hepatic arterial patterns. The samples based on polyurethane structures with and respectively without the active agent were synthesized and characterized by measurements of pH, encapsulation efficacy, cumulative drug release in a simulated body fluid, scanning electron microscopy, Zetasizer measurements, thermal stability, cytotoxicity assay, and noninvasive skin irritation assessment. The results indicate the obtaining of heterogenous polyurethane structures with mean sizes between 80-440 nm and neutral pH, that have a good stability against the agglomeration tendency and a prolonged release rate. The results on structures cytotoxicity and their non-irritative potential are important clues that can be used in further clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]