Memory is one of the most complex cognitive functions. Conventionally, one the most important neurotransmitter system implicated in its regulation is the cholinergic system. However, literature certifies that other substances can be associated with certain memory processes as well, for example, the dopaminergic system, the NMDA receptors and the serotoninergic receptors, either direct, or by forming receptor complexes. Aside from these, the adrenergic system has been proven to work synergistically with the cholinergic system. Proving the interaction between nicotine and other neurotransmitters, as well as their involvement in cognition, opened a number of therapeutic possibilities for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. That is to say, future research needs to focus on the potential therapies using these interactions. RezumatMemoria este una din cele mai complexe funcții cognitive. Este unanim acceptat faptul că unul din cele mai importante sisteme de neurotransmițători implicați în reglarea acesteia este sistemul colinergic. Totuși, literatura atestă faptul că și alte substanțe pot fi asociate cu anumite procese ale memoriei, de exemplu sistemul dopaminergic, receptorii NMDA și sistemul serotoninergic, fie direct, sau indirect prin formare de complexe de receptori. În afara acestora, s-a dovedit că sistemul adrenergic acționează sinergic cu cel colinergic. Demonstrarea interacțiunii dintre nicotină și alți neurotransmițători, dar și implicarea acestora în procesele cognitive, a deschis numeroase posibilități terapeutice pentru tratamentul bolilor neurodegenerative precum boala Alzheimer, boala Parkinson și schizofrenie. Studii ulterioare trebuie să fie centrate pe potențialul terapeutic al acestor interacțiuni.

Objective: To assess women's perceptions of the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) received in hospitals in Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic by mode of birth. Methods:A validated anonymous online questionnaire based on WHO quality measures. Subgroup analysis of spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB), emergency cesarean, and elective cesarean and multivariate analyses were performed, and QMNC indexes were calculated. Maternal age, educational level, year of birth, mother born in Romania, parity, type of hospital, and type of professionals assisting the birth were used for multivariate analysis.Results: A total of 620 women completed the survey. Overall, several quality measures suggested gaps in QMNC in Romania, with the lowest QMNC indexes reported for provision of care and availability of resources. Women who had either elective or emergency cesarean compared with those who had SVB more frequently lacked early breastfeeding (OR 2.04 and 2.13, respectively), skin-to-skin contact (OR 1.73 and 1.75, respectively), rooming-in (OR 2.07 and 1.96, respectively), and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (OR 2.27 and 1.64, respectively). Compared with elective cesarean, emergency cesarean had higher odds of ineffective communication by healthcare providers (OR 1.65), lack of involvement in choices (OR 1.58), insufficient emotional support (OR 2.07), and no privacy (OR 2.06). Compared with other modes of birth, a trend for lower QMNC indexes for emergency cesarean was observed for all domains, while for elective cesarean the QMNC index for provision of care was significantly lower. Conclusion: Quality indicators of perinatal care remain behind targets in Romania, with births by cesarean the most affected. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04847336 | 127 OTELEA et al.

The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between professional aluminum exposure and depression. The study was performed on a number of 99 subjects exposed to aluminum, during a professional activity of 8 to 38 years in the aluminum production industry. The control group was represented by 36 subjects from the administrative sector. Chronically exposure to aluminum determined: headache, insomnia, apathy, asthenia, and a decrease in libido. Moreover, depression was more frequent in subjects chronically exposed to aluminum.

The general perception is that the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges for the health system. While touching every aspect of life, the COVID-19 pandemic has requested a prompt response from the health system and other structures and coordination systems that intervene in daily activity. The data presented were obtained following the application of a questionnaire to the average care staff of the Pascani Municipal Emergency Hospital, which monitored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their professional activity and emotional state. The results revealed not only feelings of panic, fear, and worry but also determination and stubbornness in the fight against the disease. The results of the study indicated the adherence of the medical staff to initiatives that promote a holistic approach to the patient, addressing all the patient’s sufferings (physical, psychological, social, or spiritual), as well as finding new ways of relieving, treating, and healing them. The therapeutic act was difficult to fulfill because it had to consider the COVID-19 protocols, modified in dynamics, and applied to patients and staff. The use of complete protective equipment, as well as other adjustments to the working conditions, were perceived as an additional effort. To achieve this desideratum, teamwork, continuous medical education of the medical staff, and efficient communication between the medical assistant-nurse team with the patient and their relatives were of particular importance. Clear, transparent communication on the patient’s actual clinical condition and prognosis to his family members is essential to avoid and overcome possible conflictual situations.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive biomarker of respiratory tract inflammation, originally designated to identify eosinophilic airway inflammation and to predict steroid response. The main field of application of this biomarker is asthma, but FeNO has also been used for other allergic and non-allergic pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease. A substantial part of respiratory diseases are related to work, and FeNO, a safe and easy measure to conduct, is a potential valid examination in an occupational setting.This systematic review assesses the value of measuring FeNO related to three types of airborne exposures: allergens, irritants, and respiratory particles inhaled during occupational activities. The review covers results from longitudinal and observational clinical studies, and highlights the added value of this biomarker in monitoring effects of exposure and in the diagnostic criteria of occupational diseases. This review also covers the possible significance of FeNO as an indicator of the efficacy of interventions to prevent work-related respiratory diseases.Initially, 246 articles were identified in PUBMED and SCOPUS. Duplicates and articles which covered results from the general population, symptoms (not disease) related to work, non-occupational diseases, and case reports were excluded. Finally, 39 articles contributed to this review, which led to the following conclusions:a) For occupational asthma there is no consensus on the significant value of FeNO for diagnosis, or on the magnitude of change needed after specific inhalation test or occupational exposure at the workplace. There is some consensus for the optimal time to measure FeNO after exposure, mainly after 24 h, and FeNO proved to be more sensitive than spirometry in measuring the result of an intervention. b) For other occupational obstructive respiratory diseases, current data suggests performing the measurement after the work shift. c) For interstitial lung disease, the evaluation of the alveolar component of NO is probably the most suitable.