Surgical Treatment of Post-Traumatic Radio-Ulnar Synostosis.

Radio-ulnar synostosis is a rare complication which develops following forearm trauma, the main manifestation being stiffness and leading to the loss of pronation and supination. For the patient, it is a very frustrating experience due to the impairment of the normal function of the forearm, whereas for the surgeon the treatment is difficult as, unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the best way to approach it. Many surgical techniques and other kinds of adjuvant therapies have been developed in an effort to solve this disability.

Comparing Long-Term Outcomes in Glomerular Disease Patients Presenting with Nephrotic Syndrome Versus Nephrotic Range Proteinuria.

Background: Despite extensive research on proteinuria's impact on chronic kidney disease progression, there is no direct comparison of outcomes in biopsy-diagnosed glomerular disease (GD) patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) or nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP). Our study addresses this gap, comparing long-term outcomes between NS and NRP.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 240 kidney biopsy-proven GD patients, tracked from 2010 to 2015 until end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), death, or the study end in January 2022.

Histological Findings in Infective Endocarditis-A Retrospective Cohort Study Conducted at "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest.

Background: Histological findings of infective endocarditis (IEs) in mechanical valves present a complex diagnostic challenge owing to the lack of a precise definition. This ambiguity is further complicated by the natural degenerative processes that occur in the mechanical valves over time. Consequently, pathologists and clinicians face significant difficulties in distinguishing between genuine infective processes and the normal wear and tear of mechanical valves.

The Associations of Dental and Periodontal Lesions with the Microvascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely related to periodontal disease and dental lesions, disorders which through dental infection and metabolic imbalance become negatively potentiated and cause a vicious circle that is almost impossible to break. The aim of this research was to study if the severity of dental and periodontal lesions is related to the presence of microvascular complications and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: In total, 112 subjects with T2DM that underwent a dental evaluation were enrolled in this case-control study.

Unveiling the Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Year-Long Surveillance (2023) at the Largest Infectious Disease Profile Hospital in Western Romania.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify the most common bacterial pathogens and their resistance profiles from 2179 positive clinical cultures from inpatients at "Victor Babes" Hospital of Infectious Disease and Pneumoftiziology Timisoara in 2023. Samples were collected from sputum, bronchial aspiration, hemoculture, urine, wound secretions, catheter samples, and other clinical specimens.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Signatures in Prediabetes Progressing to Diabetes or Reversing to Normoglycemia Within 1 Year.

Objective: Progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes has been associated with β-cell dysfunction, whereas its remission to normoglycemia has been related to improvement of insulin sensitivity. To understand the mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers related to prediabetes trajectories, we compared the proteomics and metabolomics profile of people with prediabetes progressing to diabetes or reversing to normoglycemia within 1 year.

Research Design And Methods: The fasting plasma concentrations of 1,389 proteins and the fasting, 30-min, and 120-min post-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plasma concentrations of 152 metabolites were measured in up to 134 individuals with new-onset diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose tolerance.

Fracture toughness of cancellous iliac bone.

Background: Cancellous bone mechanical properties are directly linked to structural integrity, which is a result of bone quantity, the quality of its bone matrix, and its microarchitecture. Several studies highlighted the bone behavior under specific loads, contributing to understanding risk factors and developing more effective therapeutic strategies. The anatomy and stability of iliac bone fractures, providing insight into pelvic trauma management.

Proton therapy versus conventional radiotherapy for the treatment of cavernous sinus benign meningioma, a randomized controlled phase III study protocol (COG-PROTON-01).

Background: Proton therapy (PRT) is an innovative radiotherapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer with unique ballistic properties. The depth-dose distribution of a proton beam reduces exposure of healthy tissues to radiations, compared with photon-therapy (XRT). To date, only few indications for proton-therapy, like pediatric cancers, chordomas, or intra-ocular neoplasms, are reimbursed by Health systems.

The Relationship Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Atherogenic Index with LV Geometry Pattern in Obese Children: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Serbia.

Arterial hypertension and increased atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk associated in individuals with obesity both in adults and children. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between AIP and systolic ambulatory blood pressure index (sABPI) with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 129 obese children (BMI greater or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex) were examined.

Bridging the Gap: Supplements Strategies from Experimental Research to Clinical Applications in Sarcopenic Obesity.

Obesity causes fat accumulation, and sarcopenia causes loss of muscle mass and strength; together, they worsen insulin resistance and accelerate muscle decline, creating a harmful cycle. Some supplements, along with physical exercise, could be remedies for sarcopenic obesity (SO). In this review, we aim to draw a comparison between supplements studied in experimental research and those evaluated in clinical studies for SO.

Heparinized collagen-based hydrogels for tissue engineering: physical, mechanical and biological properties.

As the main protein forming the vascular extracellular matrix, collagen has a weak antigenicity, making it an attractive candidate for coatings of vascular grafts. In order to bring antithrombotic properties to collagen for obtaining suitable blood compatibility of surfaces and further bioactive molecule carrying capacity, heparinization appears as a method of choice. Thus, in this article, pH-driven self-assembly was used to form collagen-based hydrogels with physical incorporation of heparins, especially low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin at 1 IU/mL and 6 IU/mL.

Comprehension of the adapted Urticaria Activity Score measure and patient guidance document: qualitative interviews with adults and adolescents with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Objective: A key component of determining that a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure is fit-for-purpose is to ensure that respondents understand its instructions and items. Any modification to a measure should be evaluated for relevance and understandability. The objective of the study was to assess comprehension of the adapted Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) questionnaire among adolescents aged populations with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and the modification to UAS question 2 to include patient-friendly terminology "wheals (hives).

Predictors and Prevalence of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that's characterized by episodes of a complete or partial collapse of the upper airway with an associated decrease in oxygen saturation or arousal from sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), OSA is categorized based on polysomnography findings into mild, moderate, and severe. Objectives This study aims at determining the prevalence of the severities of OSA in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as discovering the predictors for severe OSA.

Antimicrobial Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Bacterial Cellulose Composites Loaded with Green Synthesized ZnO and Ag Nanoparticles for Food Packaging.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has earned a well-defined place among biopolymers due to its unique physicochemical properties. Unfortunately, native BC lacks antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. To address this limitation, many BC-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties have been developed, primarily for applications in the biomedical field, but also for use in food packaging.

Eco-Friendly Hydrogel Beads from Seashell Waste for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals from Water.

The objective of this study is to develop a calcium carbonate-based adsorbent derived from seashells, incorporated into a sodium alginate matrix (Na-Alg@CTs) to form hydrogel beads, for the efficient removal of Cu (II) and Zn (II) heavy metals from aqueous solutions. XRD, SEM/EDS, and FTIR analysis confirm the successful synthesis and characterization of the fabricated adsorbent. The adsorption study of Cu (II) and Zn (II) onto Na-Alg@CTs hydrogel beads revealed that the Langmuir model was the most suitable for characterizing the adsorption isotherms, suggesting monolayer coverage.

Back to Roots: Dysbiosis, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Is There an Objective Connection? A Narrative Review.

In recent decades, it has become clear that the gut is more than just a digestive organ; it also functions as an immune organ with regulatory capabilities and acts as a "second brain" that influences brain function due to the presence and regulatory roles of the gut microbiota (GM). The GM is a crucial component of its host and significantly impacts human health. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been closely linked to various diseases, including gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: heterogeneous pathomechanisms and effectiveness of metabolism-based treatment.

The global epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing worldwide. People with MASLD can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and extrahepatic cancers. Most people with MASLD die from cardiac-related causes.

Challenging the Standard Immunogenicity Assessment Approach: 1-Tiered ADA Testing Strategy in Clinical Trials.

The ADA testing strategy for protein therapeutics was established almost two decades ago when assay methodologies were rudimentary, and serious immunogenicity-related safety issues had recently been observed with some biotherapeutics. The current testing paradigm employs multiple tiers and stringent cut points to minimize false negatives, reflecting a conservative stance towards ADA analysis. The development of highly sensitive ADA assay platforms and technologies such as humanized or fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs has put the traditional, resource-intensive 3-tiered testing approach under scrutiny.

Weak effect of temperature fluctuations on the invasion of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) in experimental plankton microcosms.

Biological invasions are a major threat for many aquatic ecosystems. In contrast to higher plants and animals, microbial invasions are less obvious and more difficult to detect. One of the most prominent microbial invaders is the cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii.

[Current Requirements and Qualification Criteria for Habilitation and Extraordinary Professorship at German University Hospitals].

Background: Achieving a medical professorship marks a significant step in a doctor's academic career, associated with a significant level of responsibility and obligations. The requirements to obtain a medical professorship in Germany vary significantly.

Material And Methods: Based on an online search, we studied the statutes and regulations of medical faculties in Germany to determine the requirements for habilitation and an extraordinary professorship within Germany.

Nebulized alteplase in coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: a case series.

Background: Many patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia exhibit signs of microthrombosis. Previous studies discussed intravenous fibrinolytic agents as potential add-on therapy in these patients. Therefore, we propose the inhalative administration of fibrinolytics as a possible safer alternative.

AI-Based Analysis of Ziehl-Neelsen-Stained Sputum Smears for as a Screening Method for Active Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is the primary cause of death due to infection in the world. Identification of in sputum is a diagnostic test, which can be used in screening programs-especially in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis-to identify and treat those persons with the highest risk of disseminating the infection. We previously developed an algorithm which is able to automatically detect mycobacteria on tissue; in particular, our algorithm identified acid-fast bacilli on tissue with 100% specificity, 95.

A Systematic Review: Quercetin-Secondary Metabolite of the Flavonol Class, with Multiple Health Benefits and Low Bioavailability.

The main goal of this systematic review on the flavonol class secondary metabolite quercetin is to evaluate and summarize the existing research on quercetin's potential health benefits, therapeutic properties, and effectiveness in disease prevention and treatment. In addition to evaluating quercetin's potential for drug development with fewer side effects and lower toxicity, this type of review attempts to collect scientific evidence addressing quercetin's roles as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer agent. In the first part, we analyze various flavonoid compounds, focusing on their chemical structure, classification, and natural sources.

Carrageenan and insulin resistance in humans: a randomised double-blind cross-over trial.

Background: The potential impact of specific food additives, common in Western diets, on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is not well understood. This study focuses on carrageenan, a widely used food additive known to induce insulin resistance and gut inflammation in animal models, and its effects on human health.

Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial conducted at a university hospital metabolic study centre, 20 males (age 27.

Vnímání rizika antibiotické rezistence a znalost principů racionální ATB preskripce mezi českými praktickými lékaři - závěry z pilotního šetření.

The issue of antibiotic resistance stands as one of the foremost contemporary global challenges in healthcare. This study presents findings from a pilot survey conducted among Czech general practitioners, concentrating on their perception of antibiotic resistance risk and their knowledge of the AWaRe classification. This classification, in accordance with international guidelines, serves as the principal indicator for monitoring the quality of antibiotic prescriptions.