Doinița Temelie-Olinici

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated dermatosis with an important psychodermatologic burden, in which psychological stress, perceived disease impact, stigma, and attitudes toward mental health care may influence patient support needs. Although psychological and psychiatric interventions are increasingly discussed in dermatology, patient openness to different forms of supportive care, including music therapy, remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to characterize psychodermatologic burden and support-related attitudes among patients with psoriasis, with particular emphasis on openness to psychological counseling, psychiatric care, and music therapy-based support, and to explore the factors associated with these attitudes. Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional study, 102 adults with cutaneous or nail psoriasis completed an original self-administered questionnaire between July 2023 and January 2025. Results: Most participants perceived stress as related to psoriasis onset or worsening (86.3%) and considered dermatologist guidance toward psychological or psychiatric support beneficial (80.4%). Psychological counseling was the most accepted supportive intervention (75.5%), followed by music therapy (54.9%) and psychiatric consultation (48.0%), while previous psychological or psychiatric care was reported by 22.5%. Willingness to seek psychological support was independently associated with perceived psoriasis impact, whereas willingness to seek psychiatric support was associated with perceived stress impact. Awareness of music therapy was associated with higher educational level. Willingness to try music therapy was associated with high perceived stress impact, higher educational level, music listening, and awareness of music therapy. Conclusions: Patients with psoriasis frequently perceive stress as relevant to their disease and show variable openness to supportive care. These findings support an individualized psychodermatologic approach in which dermatologists may help identify patients receptive to psychological, psychiatric, or music therapy-based interventions.

Chronic hyperglycemia profoundly impairs skin integrity, with dermatological complications affecting up to half of patients with diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to describe the spectrum, frequency, and clinical characteristics of skin lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus and to evaluate whether specific cutaneous signs are associated with an increased risk of subsequently developing type 2 diabetes. This retrospective observational study evaluated 960 cases admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of “Sf. Spiridon” Emergency County Clinical Hospital, Iași, between 2017 and 2022, complemented by an 11-year longitudinal follow-up (2011–2016). Ulcerative lesions predominated (85.7%), followed by inflammatory manifestations (12.4%), while classical diabetes-specific dermatoses represented 7%) was documented in 94.2% of patients, with the most severe lesions occurring in those with HbA1c > 10%. In the longitudinal analysis, patients who later developed diabetes initially presented significantly higher rates of xerosis, pruritus, and callus compared with the controls. Multivariate logistic regression identified xerosis (OR 4.70) and pruritus (OR 3.41) as independent predictors of future diabetes. These findings suggest that certain dermatological signs may serve as early non-invasive markers of metabolic dysfunction and highlight the importance of routine skin examination in diabetes risk stratification.

Inflammasomes are cytosolic multiprotein complexes that detect pathogens, cellular stress, and damage-associated molecular signals, thereby orchestrating innate immune responses. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated inflammasome activation contributes to persistent neuroinflammation and to a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Together, these findings emphasize the critical role of neuroimmune interactions in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. Recent molecular studies have substantially advanced our understanding of the crosstalk among neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral immune cells, uncovering complex regulatory networks mediated by cytokines, neurotrophins, and neurotransmitters. By examining key inflammatory mediators and cell type-specific mechanisms, this review consolidates current knowledge and proposes conceptual frameworks to guide future investigations and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Background and Objectives: Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder frequently associated with psychiatric and psychological burden. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with PsO from a dermatology clinic of a university hospital in northeastern Romania, thereby providing physicians with evidence to support more holistic and integrated care approaches. Materials and Methods: This is a 10-year retrospective epidemiological study on 2219 patients diagnosed with PsOwho were admitted to a Romanian university hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. Psychiatric and dermatological diagnoses were extracted from medical records using International Classification of Diseases—Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 2219 patients, the most common psychiatric comorbidities were unspecified depressive disorder (120 patients, 5.4%, p < 0.01), mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (34 patients, 1.5%, p < 0.01), and mild depression (24 patients, 1.1%, p < 0.01). Female PsO patients demonstrated a relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.55 [1.12–2.14] (p = 0.007) for developing psychiatric comorbidities compared to males. Patients aged less than 18 years exhibited an RR [95% CI] of 2.032 [1.297–3.186] (p = 0.002) for psycho-emotional stress, the highest among all age groups. Notably, patients with concurrent psoriatic arthritis (PsA) showed a significantly elevated risk with RR [95% CI] of 1.546 [1.06–2.20] (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Depression and anxiety represent substantial psychiatric comorbidities in PsO patients, particularly affecting female individuals, younger patients, and those with concurrent PsA. These findings underscore the necessity for integrated mental health screening and psychological support within dermatological care protocols.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a polygenic, immunomediated dermatological condition, characterized pathophysiologically by abnormal proliferation of the epidermis and immune response disorders, evidenced by the presence of a dermal inflammatory infiltrate accompanied by exocytosis. The prevalence of this disease is continuously increasing, and the significant impact on quality of life is determined by both the severity of the skin manifestations and the associated comorbidities, which underlines the importance of early diagnosis. Among the imaging methods useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of psoriasis vulgaris are dermatoscopy and high-frequency cutaneous ultrasonography (HFUS). Dermatoscopy is a valuable complementary imaging tool in assessing the therapeutic response in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Although clinical lesions may show partial or complete remission, the persistence of the specific vascular architecture—characterized by dilated and branched capillaries—suggests the maintenance of disease activity and justifies the need for continued treatment. HFUS allows the identification of characteristic changes in psoriatic plaques, such as homogeneous thickening of the epidermis, visible as a hyperechoic band, the presence of a hypoechoic subepidermal band, and thickening of the dermis. Evaluation with 20 MHz probes can significantly contribute to monitoring therapeutic efficacy, since the first observable changes under topical and/or systemic treatment include a reduction in the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, and hypoechoic subepidermal band. The integration of dermatoscopy and HFUS within the clinical evaluation allows for a complex and precise approach to the management of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, facilitating objective monitoring of disease progression and appropriate adjustment of therapy.

Background: Cutaneous manifestations are frequent in diabetes mellitus and may reflect systemic vascular injury. Among them, diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica, scleredema diabeticorum, bullosis diabeticorum, and eruptive xanthomas are clinically significant. Aim: To synthesize current evidence on the associative and potential predictive role of diabetic dermopathies as non-invasive indicators of cardiovascular and renal complications. Methods: A narrative review of studies published between 2010 and 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted, focusing on links between specific dermopathies and systemic outcomes. Results: Diabetic dermopathy shows consistent associations with microvascular complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy. Necrobiosis lipoidica and scleredema correlate with macrovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, whereas eruptive xanthomas indicate severe dyslipidemia and heightened cardiovascular risk. Evidence is predominantly cross-sectional, with limited sample sizes and heterogeneous diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: Diabetic dermopathies represent emerging clinical indicators of systemic vascular and metabolic burden. Their potential prognostic value supports the integration of dermatological assessment into comprehensive diabetes care. However, due to methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal, and prospective studies are warranted to confirm their predictive significance.

Aim of the study The abstract of this article is to synthesize the scientific literature regarding the main reasons why children aged 6 to 12 years present to the dentist. Materials and methods The analysis highlights clinical factors (such as pain or trauma) as well as psychological, educational, and socio-economic determinants. The methodology involved a narrative review of studies published between 2010 and 2025, from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results The results indicate that most visits are driven by dental pain, emergencies, or external recommendations, while preventive check-ups are significantly less frequent. Conclusions A systemic educational approach is needed to promote regular dental visits regardless of symptoms.

Background: Cutaneous manifestations are frequent in diabetes mellitus and may serve as visible indicators of systemic complications. Among them, diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica, scleredema diabeticorum, and bullosis diabeticorum are clinically relevant. Aim: To review current evidence on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognostic value of diabetic dermopathies as non-invasive markers of cardiovascular and renal complications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies in English published between 2010 and 2023 were included, focusing on associations between cutaneous manifestations and systemic vascular outcomes. Results: Diabetic dermopathy correlates with microangiopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy [8,16]. Necrobiosis lipoidica and scleredema diabeticorum are linked to macrovascular complications and metabolic syndrome [9,17,18]. Eruptive xanthomas indicate severe dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk [12,19]. Conclusions: Diabetic dermopathies should be recognized as clinical biomarkers of systemic complications. Integration of dermatological assessment into diabetes care can improve early detection of high-risk patients.

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the key steps in cutaneous carcinogenesis. At the molecular level, this cellular dedifferentiation is modulated by the interaction of signalling pathways that favour basement membrane degradation under the influence of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Given the intricate role of these endopeptidases in modulating extracellular matrix turnover, the present study aimed primarily to identify the MMP-2 expression profile during the early stages of cutaneous malignant transformation. Forty-eight lesions with malignant transformation potential were excised in healthy tissue. Following the histopathological diagnosis of keratoacanthoma, Bowen’s disease and actinic keratosis, the biological preparations were deparaffinised and homogenised in order to perform the FRET technique using the “MMP-2 Assay Kit Fluorometric”. The results of the previous part of this research indicate that MMP-2 expression is more intense in lesions of actinic keratosis compared to normal tissues and to keratoacanthoma or Bowen’s disease lesions, inversely proportional to the histopathological degree of dysplasia. Monitoring metalloproteinase activity in dysplastic epithelium may improve the detection of malignant transformation and guide treatment decisions.

Suicidality is among the most controversial concepts in multi-disciplinary studies worldwide, regardless of the form and approach. The etiopathological variability in suicidal ideation correlates with the heterogeneity of the clinical and behavioural patterns of self-harm attempts, which significantly impact the prognosis and quality of life of patients. The main objective of the present study was to identify and outline the spectrum of factors predisposing to suicide, with the whole suite of consequences and manifestations in ideation and behaviour. In this regard, the research literature of the last decade contains numerous articles dealing with the theoretical premises pertaining to both the statistical and the profoundly psychological and philosophical dimensions of suicide. The micro-environment favouring the clinical evolution of self-harm/self-destructive thoughts and attempts to the terminal, final act integrates individual medical-biological and psychological factors into the overall social reality. Knowledge of the whole etiopathogenic amalgam with clinical-evolutionary implications allows for the development of methods and tools for the early assessment and prevention of suicidal risk. At the same time, the present study aims to qualitatively focus on the subjective motivation declared by patients regarding the internal, individual catalyst of suicidal ideation and attempts on a predominantly psycho-social coordination.