Enhancing quality of life and medication adherence for people living with HIV: the impact of an information system.

Background: The widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy has led to improvements in life expectancy and thus an increase in the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) worldwide. However, a similar increase in the number of newly-diagnosed patients in Cyprus suggests the need for solutions designed to improve monitoring, planning, and patient communication. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the use of an information system to manage PLWHA might contribute to improved quality of life and critical adherence to prescribed drug regimens and ongoing medical care.

Novel Biomarkers and Their Role in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases and the critical role of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in their progression underscore the need for effective diagnostic and prognostic tools. Biomarkers have emerged as crucial instruments for ACS diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis assessment. Among these, high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) has revolutionized ACS diagnosis due to its superior sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Deep phenotyping of socio-emotional skills in children with typical development, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health conditions: Evidence from the PEERS.

Objective: Socio-emotional skills, including social competence and social cognition, form the basis for robust relationships and wellbeing. Despite their importance, these skills are poorly defined and measured, particularly in children with developmental vulnerabilities. As a consequence, targets for effective management and treatment remain unclear.

Evaluation of Antibody Kinetics Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Greek SARS-CoV-2 Infected and Naïve Healthcare Workers.

We investigated the antibody kinetics after vaccination against COVID-19 in healthcare workers of a Greek tertiary hospital. Eight hundred and three subjects were included, of whom 758 (94.4%) received the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech), eight (1%) mRNA-1273 (Moderna), 14 (1.

Predictors of recurrence after catheter ablation and electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.

Aims: The recurrence rates after catheter ablation (CA) and direct current (DC) cardioversion remain high, although they have been established treatments of rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). This umbrella review systematically appraises published meta-analyses of both observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the association of risk and protective factors for arrhythmia recurrence after CA and DC cardioversion of AF.

Methods And Results: Three bibliographic databases were searched up to June 2021.

Differential Expression of microRNAs in Acute and Chronic Heart Failure.

Background: MicroRNAs modify protein expression at the post-transcriptional level, and their circulating levels may help identify the underlying molecular pathways.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the differential expression of microRNAs related to myocardial cell energy substrate, autophagy, and ischaemia in chronic and acute heart failure (HF).

Methods: In this case-control study, we studied 19 patients with acute HF (AHF) and 19 patients with chronic HF (CHF).

Endothelial dysfunction in acute and long standing COVID-19: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is implicated by active endotheliitis, and cardiovascular morbidity. The long-COVID-19 syndrome implications in atherosclerosis have not been elucidated yet. We assessed the immediate, intermediate, and long-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function.

The Role of Endothelial Related Circulating Biomarkers in COVID-19. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Several studies have revealed the link between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and endothelial dysfunction. To better understand the global pattern of this relationship, we conducted a meta-analysis on endothelial biomarkers related to COVID-19 severity.

Methods: We systematically searched the literature up to March 10, 2021, for studies investigating the association between COVID-19 severity and the following endothelial biomarkers: Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, P-selectin, Von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWFAg), soluble Thrombomodulin (sTM), Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2).

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Current State of the Art.

Background: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited Cardiomyopathy. The hallmark of HCM is myocardial fibrosis that contributes to heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Objective: Currently, there are no reliable serum biomarkers for the detection of myocardial fibrosis, while cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an imaging technique to detect myocardial fibrosis.

MicroRNAs in the Management of Heart Failure.

Background: In recent years much research has been devoted to the deployment of biomarkers in the field of heart failure.

Objectives: To study the potential of post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs on the diagnosis, management and therapy of heart failure.

Methods: Literature search focuses on the role of microRNAs in heart failure.

Active perception during angiogenesis: filopodia speed up Notch selection of tip cells .

How do cells make efficient collective decisions during tissue morphogenesis? Humans and other organisms use feedback between movement and sensing known as 'sensorimotor coordination' or 'active perception' to inform behaviour, but active perception has not before been investigated at a cellular level within organs. Here we provide the first proof of concept / study demonstrating that filopodia (actin-rich, dynamic, finger-like cell membrane protrusions) play an unexpected role in speeding up collective endothelial decisions during the time-constrained process of 'tip cell' selection during blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). We first validate simulation predictions with live imaging of zebrafish intersegmental vessel growth.

COVID-19, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition: Implications for Practice.

Background: Recent studies suggested that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who use renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have an increased risk of respiratory failure and death. The hypothesis was that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) might up-regulate ACE2 expression that is used as a receptor for viral entry into cells.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing evidence on the interaction between COVID-19 infection, ACE2 and ACEIs or ARBs and to examine the main implications for clinical practice.

Association of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenesis-2 (ST2) with Endothelial Function in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure.

Soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) has been introduced as a marker associated with heart failure (HF) pathophysiology and status. Endothelial dysfunction is a component underlying HF pathophysiology. Therefore, we examined the association of arterial wall properties with sST2 levels in patients with HF of ischemic etiology.

Hospital attendance and admission trends for cardiac diseases during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown in Greece.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, along with implementation of lockdown and strict public movement restrictions, in Greece has affected hospital visits and admissions. We aimed to investigate trends of cardiac disease admissions during the outbreak of the pandemic and possible associations with the applied restrictive measures.

Study Design: This is a retrospective observational study.

High-Intensity Endurance and Strength Training in Water Polo Olympic Team Players: Impact on Arterial Wall Properties.

Introduction: Regular physical activity is recommended to minimize health risk. However, the upper intensity threshold associated with the best health outcomes is difficult to be determined. Water polo (WP) Olympic athletes present unique characteristics such as high-intensity exercise, long training sessions, and a combination of endurance and strength training.

Carotid Disease and Ageing: A Literature Review on the Pathogenesis of Vascular Senescence in Older Subjects.

Aging is a natural process that affects all systems of the human organism, leading to its inability to adapt to environmental changes. Advancing age has been correlated with various pathological conditions, especially cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Carotid artery (CA) is mainly affected by age-induced functional and morphological alterations causing atheromatous disease.

Acute Coronary Syndrome with Non-ruptured Plaques (NONRUPLA): Novel Ideas and Perspectives.

Purpose Of Review: In this review article, we focus on the mechanisms and features of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with no ruptured plaque (NONRUPLA) highlighting the uncertainties over diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Recent Findings: The most common cause of ACS is obstruction due to atherosclerotic plaque ruptured or erosion. In 14% of patients who present in the Emergency Department as myocardial infarction, the final diagnosis is ACS with NONRUPLA.

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction: the undervalued frontier of hypertension.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes the complex anatomic and physiologic interface between the intravascular compartment and the central nervous system, and its integrity is paramount for the maintenance of the very sensitive homeostasis of the central nervous system. Arterial hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The BBB has been shown to be disrupted in essential hypertension.

Health related quality of life in adult primary Ciliary dyskinesia patients in Cyprus: development and validation of the Greek version of the QOL-PCD questionnaire.

Background: The QOL-PCD questionnaire is a recently developed Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) instrument for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. The aim of this study was to translate the adult QOL-PCD questionnaire into Greek language and to conduct psychometric validation to assess its performance.

Methods: Forward translations to Greek and backward translation to English were performed, followed by cognitive interviews in 12 adult PCD patients.

Follow-up of citations of maritime epidemiological injury studies.

Background: The article is based on a review and follow-up of the citations of 13 epidemiological studies that aimed to improve maritime health and safety. While it's well-recognised that epidemiology is needed in occupational health and safety, the main research question: "How can epidemiology help workers to return healthy from the sea" was unanswered.

Materials And Methods: The 13 articles were selected as a representative sample of different epidemiological design studies intended to contribute to improving safety management in fishing, merchant shipping and offshore industry.

Osteoprotegerin and Osteopontin Serum Levels are Associated with Vascular Function and Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

Background: Osteoprotegerin and osteopontin have recently emerged as key factors in both vascular remodelling and atherosclerosis progression. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine with a key role in atherosclerosis. The relationship of osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, and IL-6 serum levels with endothelial function and arterial stiffness was evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

How to calculate incidence rates from proportionate data.

This paper describes the methodological aspects of calculation of incidence rates from incomplete datain occupational epidemiology. Proportionate measures in epidemiological studies are useful e.g.

Inappropriate Use of Public Hospitals Emergency Departments in Greece: Magnitude and Associated Factors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of use of the Emergency Departments (EDs) and to identify the reasons for inappropriate use. A study with 805 patients visiting the EDs of four large-scale public hospitals in Athens was conducted using the Hospital Urgencies Appropriateness Protocol (HUAP). 38.