Mechanical versus bioprosthetic valve for aortic valve replacement in dialysis patients: Systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Objective: There is little evidence regarding the most beneficial choice between a mechanical and a bioprosthetic valve in the aortic position in dialysis patients. This meta-analysis compares the survival and freedom from reintervention rates between mechanical and bioprosthetic valves in patients on dialysis undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery.

Methods: Two databases were searched, and the systematic review was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement.

Perceval-S over time. Clinical outcomes after ten years of usage.

Background: Perceval-S has become a reliable and commonly used option in surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) since its first implantation in humans 15 years ago. Despite the fact that this aortic valve has been proven efficient enough in the short and mid-term period, there is still lack of evidence for the long-term outcomes.

Materials And Methods: This is an observational retrospective study in a high-volume cardiovascular center.

Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial High-rate Episodes Detected by Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

Atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) are atrial tachyarrhythmias that are identified by the use of continuous rhythm monitoring devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or implantable cardiac monitors. Nevertheless, the therapeutic implications of these rhythm disturbances remain uncertain. The presence of AHRE is associated with an increased risk of stroke as compared to patients who do not exhibit AHRE.

The Thyroid-cardiac Axis: Thyroid Function, Cardiac Rhythmology, and Sudden Cardiac Death.

It is well known that thyroid dysfunction increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The pleiotropic effect of thyroid hormones has a profound effect on the cardiovascular system, influencing both the formation of a normal cardiac rhythm and rhythm disturbance. A number of research studies have demonstrated correlations between TSH and FT4 levels and significant cardiovascular events.

Tumor Markers and Their Diagnostic Significance in Ovarian Cancer.

Unlabelled: Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterized by silent progression and late-stage diagnosis. It is critical to detect and accurately diagnose the disease early to improve survival rates. Tumor markers have emerged as valuable tools in the diagnosis and management of OC, offering non-invasive and cost-effective options for screening, monitoring, and prognosis.

Evaluation of Vitamin D-enriched Bone Graft in Surgically-induced Critical-sized Bone Defects: An Experimental Study.

Background: Restoration of bone defects in the craniac vault may require the use of autografts, allografts, xenografts, or synthetic grafts. There are promising data that vitamin D may play a positive role in graft incorporation. The purpose of the present study is the evaluation of the impact of vitamin D addition to human-derived bone grafts in the healing of critical-sized bone defects in porcine skulls.

Residual strains in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms: The effect of valve type, layer, and circumferential quadrant.

The stress distribution in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms is determined by the mechanical properties, geometry, loading conditions, and zero-stress state of the aneurysmal aorta. Our objective was to fully characterize the zero-stress state of the aneurysmal aorta in twelve tricuspid aortic valve patients and eight (age/aortic diameter-matched) bicuspid aortic valve patients, for which little data are available. Opening angles and residual stretches were measured for the intact wall and individual layers according to quadrant and were similar in the two patient groups.

Mechanosensitive Stem-Cell Genes and Klotho in Atherosclerotic Aortas: Regulating Spatially Deranged Expression Patterns Using Colchicine Regimens.

Aims: Inflammatory dysregulation of mechanosensitive developmental genes may be central to atherogenesis. In the present seven-week model, we utilized colchicine regimens to curtail aortic atherogenesis in New Zealand White rabbits. We also explored the effect of colchicine regimens on atheroprotective (, , , and ) and proatherogenic (, , , and ) genes.

Stem cell genes in atheromatosis: The role of Klotho, HIF1α, OCT4, and BMP4.

During fetal development, shear stress regulates several aspects of vascular development. Alterations in signaling pathways due to disturbed flow in atheroprone regions closely mirror phenomena seen during embryogenesis. This flow-dependent dysregulation of developmental genes appears to promote atherogenesis by mediating inflammatory phenomena, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell migration, and oxidative stress.

The Role of MicroRNA-126 in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite all efforts made towards their management. Other than targeting the traditional risk factors for their development, scientific interest has been shifted towards epigenetic regulation, with microRNAs (miRs) being at the forefront. MiR-126, in particular, has been extensively studied in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

The Effect of MicroRNA-126 Mimic Administration on Vascular Perfusion Recovery in an Animal Model of Hind Limb Ischemia.

MicroRNAs have been linked to angiogenesis and could prove to be valuable future therapeutic targets in ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Ten-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to left femoral artery ligation and were treated with microRNA-126 mimic at a dose of 5 mg/kg (Group A, = 10) or 5 mg/kg microRNA mimic negative control (Group B, = 10) on days 1, 3, and 7. Laser Doppler imaging was performed to verify successful ligation on day 0 and to evaluate differences in the ischemic-to-normal (I/N) hind limb perfusion ratio on day 28.

The impact of proangiogenic microRNA modulation on blood flow recovery following hind limb ischemia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.

Background: Pro-angiogenic microRNA modulation is a potentially attractive approach in the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the impact of microRNAs involved in the process of angiogenesis on blood flow recovery following hind limb ischemia induction in animal models.

Methods: A literature search was performed to identify studies testing the efficacy of microRNA treatment on animal models of hind limb ischemia.

Contemporary ICD Use in Patients with Heart Failure.

Despite constant breakthroughs in heart failure (HF) therapy, the population of HF patients resume to grow and is linked to increased mortality and morbidity. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are one of the leading causes of mortality in HF subjects. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are currently the gold standard in treatment, preventing arrhythmic sudden cardiac death (SCD) episodes.

Possible Roles of Vitamin D in Bone Grafting.

Bone grafting is one of the most commonly used options to treat large bone defects. Evidence has shown that vitamin D may affect osseointegration, a major component for successful bone grafting. In vitro studies have proved that implants coated with activated vitamin D stimulate bone production and reduce bone resorption around implants.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug Eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Το perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature comparing safety and efficacy outcomes between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Eligible studies included patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m that underwent revascularization.

COVID-19: A Greek Perspective.

Greece has managed to timely and properly implement a public health safety plan and contained the burden of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. On the contrary, COVID-19 has led to a national catastrophe in countries with superior infrastructures, such as Italy, Spain, France, and the United States. At a time when our nation's healthcare resources were insufficient to meet this unprecedented demand, it was necessary to prioritize needs in the hopes of maximizing lives saved.