Ruxandra Filip

Background/Objectives: Metatypical basal cell carcinoma (MTBCC) is a rare and aggressive variant of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) characterised by overlapping histological features of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Owing to its increased propensity for local invasion, recurrence, and metastasis, MTBCC poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aimed to characterise the epidemiological, histopathological, and clinical features of MTBCC and to evaluate temporal changes in tumour characteristics and aggressiveness before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 129 histologically confirmed MTBCC lesions diagnosed in the Pathology Department of the Mures Clinical County Hospital, Targu Mures, Romania, between January 2017 and December 2025. Demographic data, tumour location, histological subtypes, differentiation of the squamous component, aggressiveness parameters, and volumetric measurements of tumours and excision specimens were analysed. Volumetric analyses were restricted to cases with complete three-dimensional measurements. Statistical comparisons were performed across demographic variables and the following three time periods: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 71 years, with a slight male predominance (p = 0.25) and a significant predominance of patients from urban areas (p < 0.001). Most tumours were located in the head and neck region. Mixed-type MTBCC was significantly associated with higher tumour aggressiveness (p = 0.0019) and with high-risk histological subtypes, particularly micronodular and adenoid–cystic variants. Tumour volume showed a significant inverse correlation with year of diagnosis (p = 0.0139; r = (−) 0.50), whereas excision specimen volume differed significantly according to year of diagnosis (p = 0.0425). Neither tumour volume nor excision specimen volume was associated with histopathological aggressiveness. Conclusions: Metatypical basal cell carcinoma is a rare skin malignancy in which biological behaviour appears to be determined primarily by histopathological architecture rather than tumour size. Mixed-type lesions were associated with significantly higher aggressiveness, underscoring the need for accurate histopathological assessment. These findings support a pathology-driven approach to management and emphasise the importance of adequate surgical treatment and long-term follow-up in patients with MTBCC.

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, reflects overall health and is shaped by factors such as diet, habits, work environment, and lifestyle. A Wood’s lamp offers significant advantages for assessing skin health. Our study leveraged Wood’s lamp to evaluate facial skin hydration and the impact of a diet rich in water, fruits, and vegetables. Conducted with 14 women, the study included the assessment of skin hydration levels. Remarkable improvements were observed in 13 participants, including enhanced skin hydration, reduced surface lesions, and better-regulated sebum levels.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is generally associated with less severe forms of disease in children, where most cases only require symptomatic treatment. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the impact and clinical course of COVID-19 in neonate patients. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 in this particular age group who were patients treated in our department. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational study that includes neonates (aged less than 1 month) who were diagnosed with COVID-19. The patients were admitted between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023, to the Infectious Diseases Pediatric Department of the Hospital Clinic of Pneumophthisiology and Infectious Diseases in Brașov, Romania. All the patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission, using either a real-time PCR (RT-PCR) or rapid antigen testing, according to the national COVID-19 protocol in use at the time. We collected the following data: demographic data, clinical picture and laboratory values at presentation, clinical course, complications, and other significant data. All the data were extracted from existing hospital administrative databases or electronic medical records. Results: Nine neonates were hospitalized with COVID-19, of which five were boys, and four were girls; the mean age was 18.89 days (ranging between 6 and 28 days). The clinical picture at admission mainly consisted of fever (eight cases) and nasal obstruction and cough (five cases each). Only one patient required oxygen support. Co-infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (one case), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, one case), and rotavirus (one case) were identified. Complications were represented by acute bronchiolitis in three patients. Biologically, lymphopenia was found in three cases, monocytosis in five cases, and increased ferritin values in five cases. The clinical outcome was favorable in all the cases. The patients were discharged in improved condition after an average stay of 5.11 days (ranging between 3 and 10 days). Conclusions: Our data support the observation that infection with SARS-CoV-2 in neonates is a relatively benign condition with a good prognosis. Our study has several limitations and establishes a foundation for future studies on a larger sample of term and premature neonates with different comorbidities.