Cătălina-Ioana Tătaru’s research while affiliated with Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy and other places

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neuroscience is redefining our understanding of the brain, unlocking new possibilities in research, diagnosis, and therapy. This review explores how AI’s cutting-edge algorithms—ranging from deep learning to neuromorphic computing—are revolutionizing neuroscience by enabling the analysis of complex neural datasets, from neuroimaging and electrophysiology to genomic profiling. These advancements are transforming the early detection of neurological disorders, enhancing brain–computer interfaces, and driving personalized medicine, paving the way for more precise and adaptive treatments. Beyond applications, neuroscience itself has inspired AI innovations, with neural architectures and brain-like processes shaping advances in learning algorithms and explainable models. This bidirectional exchange has fueled breakthroughs such as dynamic connectivity mapping, real-time neural decoding, and closed-loop brain–computer systems that adaptively respond to neural states. However, challenges persist, including issues of data integration, ethical considerations, and the “black-box” nature of many AI systems, underscoring the need for transparent, equitable, and interdisciplinary approaches. By synthesizing the latest breakthroughs and identifying future opportunities, this review charts a path forward for the integration of AI and neuroscience. From harnessing multimodal data to enabling cognitive augmentation, the fusion of these fields is not just transforming brain science, it is reimagining human potential. This partnership promises a future where the mysteries of the brain are unlocked, offering unprecedented advancements in healthcare, technology, and beyond.

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of pituitary adenomas, a type of brain tumor with diverse behaviors and complexities. We cover various treatment approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and their integration with newer treatments. Key to the discussion is the role of biomarkers in oncology for risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of pituitary adenomas. We highlight advances in genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic analyses and their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and molecular pathology of these tumors. Special attention is given to the molecular mechanisms, including the impact of epigenetic factors like histone modifications, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic changes on different subtypes of pituitary adenomas. The importance of the tumor immune microenvironment in tumor behavior and treatment response is thoroughly analyzed. We highlight potential breakthroughs and innovations for a more effective management and treatment of pituitary adenomas, while shedding light on the ongoing need for research and development in this field to translate scientific knowledge into clinical advancements, aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transPRK) with femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for the correction of astigmatism on amblyopic eyes. Methods: The design was a retrospective interventional study on 37 eyes with hyperopic or mixed astigmatism and refractive amblyopia, which underwent transPRK or FS-LASIK. The patients were distributed into 2 groups according to the technique used. Data was collected from patient files and comparison between groups was performed. The main outcomes measured were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent (SEQ), efficiency and safety indexes. Results: In the transPRK group, SEQ improved significantly after 1 month, from 2.08 ± 2.02D (p<0.01) to 0.125 ± 0.86D and at the 12 month visit to -0.04 ± 0.62D (p>0.05), sphere improved from 4.03 ± 1.44D preoperatively to 0.67 ± 0.9D at 1 month (p<0.05) and further to 0.44 ± 0.71 at 12 months (p<0.05). CDVA improved from 0.194 ± 0.11 logMAR to 0.115 ± 0.1 logMAR at the 1-year visit. Safety index after 1 month was 1.09 ± 0.2 and 1.12 ± 0.35 at the 1-year visit. Efficiency index was 0.95 ± 0.22 at 1 month and 1.03 ± 0.34 after 1 year. In FS-LASIK group, SEQ improved after 1 month, from 2.28 ± 3.04 to -0.79 ± 0.73D (p<0.01), and further to -0.49 ± 0.79 (p>0.05) at the 12 month visit, sphere improved from 4.11 ± 2.35D preoperatively to -0.42 ± 0.66D at 1 month (p<0.05) and further to -0.08 ± 0.75D at 12 months (p<0.05). CDVA also improved from 0.191 ± 0.1 logMAR to 0.140 ± 0.1 logMAR at 1 year. Safety index after 1 month was 1.1 ± 0.2 and 1.16 ± 0.21 at the 1-year visit. Efficiency index was 0.98 ± 0.27 at 1 month and 1.06 ± 0.23 after 1 year. Conclusion: Both procedures were safe and efficient in improving visual acuity for patients with mixed and hyperopic astigmatism and refractive amblyopia. Abbreviations: transPRK = transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy, FS-LASIK = femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis, logMAR = logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution, BCVA = best corrected distance visual acuity, CDVA = corrected distance visual acuity

The landscape of cranial base surgery has undergone monumental transformations over the past several decades. This article serves as a comprehensive survey, detailing both the historical and current techniques and technologies that have propelled this field into an era of unprecedented capabilities and sophistication. In the prologue, we traverse the historical evolution from rudimentary interventions to the state-of-the-art neurosurgical methodologies that define today’s practice. Subsequent sections delve into the anatomical complexities of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa, shedding light on the intricacies that dictate surgical approaches. In a section dedicated to advanced techniques and modalities, we explore cutting-edge evolutions in minimally invasive procedures, pituitary surgery, and cranial base reconstruction. Here, we highlight the seamless integration of endocrinology, biomaterial science, and engineering into neurosurgical craftsmanship. The article emphasizes the paradigm shift towards “Functionally” Guided Surgery facilitated by intraoperative neuromonitoring. We explore its historical origins, current technologies, and its invaluable role in tailoring surgical interventions across diverse pathologies. Additionally, the digital era’s contributions to cranial base surgery are examined. This includes breakthroughs in endoscopic technology, robotics, augmented reality, and the potential of machine learning and AI-assisted diagnostic and surgical planning. The discussion extends to radiosurgery and radiotherapy, focusing on the harmonization of precision and efficacy through advanced modalities such as Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. The article also evaluates newer protocols that optimize tumor control while preserving neural structures. In acknowledging the holistic nature of cranial base surgery, we advocate for an interdisciplinary approach. The ecosystem of this surgical field is presented as an amalgamation of various medical disciplines, including neurology, radiology, oncology, and rehabilitation, and is further enriched by insights from patient narratives and quality-of-life metrics. The epilogue contemplates future challenges and opportunities, pinpointing potential breakthroughs in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and genomic tailoring. Ultimately, the article reaffirms the ethos of continuous learning, global collaboration, and patient-first principles, projecting an optimistic trajectory for the field of cranial base surgery in the coming decade.

Objective: The aim of this report was to present a rare case of apparently unilateral Peters anomaly and describe the clinical characteristics, surgical approach, and visual prognosis. Methods: We presented the case of a 7-year-old female patient with posterior corneal defect due to kerato-lenticular adhesions along with anterior dislocation and opacification of the lens in the left eye and a history of post-traumatic evisceration of the right eye. Systemic associations included mental underdevelopment, left torticollis and scoliosis. No family history of acquired or inherited diseases were determined. We performed cataract extraction in the left eye and opted for aphakia. Results: Based on clinical findings, we considered unilateral Peters anomaly type II. Cataract surgery slightly improved the visual acuity from hand moving to 20/ 400 UCVA (uncorrected visual acuity) and 20/ 100 with +10.0 diopters at 1 month postoperative. No enlargement of the corneal opacity was observed. Conclusions: In this case, we were able to diagnose Peters anomaly only in one eye. The diagnosis required long follow-up with periodic measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) to early detect glaucoma. The complexity and uniqueness of the case relied on the difficult approach made by the cloudy cornea and anterior lens dislocation. We applied a combination of techniques including adhesiolysis, cataract extraction and anterior vitrectomy. Further interventions such as secondary IOL (intraocular lens) implantation or PKP (penetrating keratoplasty) will be taken into consideration after six-month and one-year postoperative follow-up. Abbreviations: PA = Peters anomaly, DM = Descemet’s membrane, IOL = intraocular lens, VA = visual acuity, OVDs = ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, IOP = intraocular pression, PKP = penetrating keratoplasty, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, UCVA = uncorrected visual acuity

Congenital cataract is one of the main causes of blindness in newborns and children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 14 million children suffering from congenital cataract. Our study is based on 82 children, males - 46 (56.1%) and females - 36 (43.9%), with congenital cataract operated in the same ophthalmological centre in Bucharest, Romania. Of the 82 patients, 49 (59.76%) had bilateral cataract and 33 (40.24%) unilateral cataract. Clinically, the most frequent was the total cataract, followed by lamellar, nuclear and cerulean. We employed nine surgical approaches in our patients, depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL). Morphologically, obvious changes were rendered evident at the level of anterior and posterior capsules, as well as subcapsular.