Cardioprotective Heme Oxygenase-1-PGC1α Signaling in Epicardial Fat Attenuates Cardiovascular Risk in Humans as in Obese Mice.

Objective: This study investigated whether levels of signaling pathways and inflammatory adipokines in epicardial fat regulate cardiovascular risks in humans and mice.

Methods: Epicardial fat was obtained from the hearts of patients with heart failure requiring coronary artery bypass surgery, and signaling pathways were compared with visceral fat. The genetic profile of epicardial and visceral fat from humans was also compared with genetic profiles of epicardial and visceral fat in obese mice.

Acute myocardial infarction in the setting of left bundle branch block: Chapman's sign.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis in patients with pre-existing left bundle branch block (LBBB) can be difficult. Undiagnosed or delayed diagnosis of AMI in these patients can put them at risk of having shock, mechanical complications, and death. We present a case of 77-year-old Caucasian male with a known LBBB and coronary artery bypass surgery for coronary artery disease who presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of chest pain and shortness of breath.

Arterial embolism in a patient with pulmonary embolism and patent foramen ovale.

Paradoxical embolization is an uncommon but devastating complication of pulmonary embolism and continues to be frequently missed. Although the prevalence of patent foramen ovale is 25% to 30%, the risk of paradoxical embolism is <2% of all arterial ischemia. Paradoxical embolism is infrequent but can involve almost any artery of the body.

Smoking behaviour and patterns among university students during the Syrian crisis.

Background: The ongoing Syrian war has resulted in many changes in the social and economic life of Syrians. To date, no study has documented the relationship between smoking behaviour and the war.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among university students during the crisis in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, and the impact of the war on smoking behaviour.

Self-reported study habits for enhancing medical students' performance in the National Medical Unified Examination.

Background: The National Medical Unified Examination (NMUE) is currently required for graduation, joining postgraduate medical training, and practicing medicine in Syria.

Objective: To investigate self-reported study habits that correlate with high performance on the NMUE.

Methods: First through 3(rd) year residents at the three main hospitals in Damascus, Syria, were asked to complete a retrospective cross-sectional survey investigating their study habits and previous scores.