[Global surgery-Challenges in the treatment of children with cleft lip and palate].

Background: Cleft lip and palate is the most frequent malformation in humans that requires surgical correction but is not primarily life-threatening. That is why in many economically not very well developed countries, special surgical care, such as for cleft lip and palate, is not guaranteed at all or is not sufficiently guaranteed, so that numerous aid organizations have been founded for over 50 years to provide help by organizing surgical aid missions. Even if this help seems primarily ethically harmless and very laudable, the lack of rules and instructions unfortunately regularly leads to the fact that legal, ethical and even medical treatment standards are often not observed to the detriment of the affected children.

Comparison of strategies for vascular ACCESS closure after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the ACCESS-TAVI randomized trial.

Background And Aims: Data from randomized trials investigating different access closure strategies after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) remain scarce. In this study, two vascular closure device (VCD) strategies to achieve hemostasis after TF-TAVI were compared.

Methods: The ACCESS-TAVI (Comparison of Strategies for Vascular ACCESS Closure after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a prospective, multicenter trial in which patients undergoing TF-TAVI were randomly assigned to a strategy with a combined suture-/plug-based VCD strategy (suture/plug group) using one ProGlideTM/ProStyleTM (Abbott Vascular) and one Angio-Seal® (Terumo) versus a suture-based VCD strategy (suture-only group) using two ProGlidesTM/ProStylesTM.

Aortic valve calcification volume and prognosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Introduction And Objectives: It is unknown whether aortic valve calcium volume, as measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (angio-CT), is associated with mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to confirm that contrast-enhanced aortic valve calcium correlates with noncontrast-enhanced calcium score and provides useful prognostic information in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients from 2 high-volume TAVI centers in Germany, all of whom underwent high-quality angio-CT prior to TAVI.

Mechanically Robust, Inkjet-Printable Polymer Nanocomposites with Hybrid Gold Nanoparticles and Metal-like Conductivity.

Hybrid core-shell nanoparticles with metal cores and conductive polymer shells yield materials that are sinter-free and highly conductive but mechanically weak. Conventional composites of such nanoparticles are electrically insulating. Here, we introduce microscale phase-separated nanocomposites of hybrid gold-PEDOT:PPS particles in insulating poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).

Engineered nanoparticles promote cardiac tropism of AAV vectors.

Cardiac muscle targeting is a notoriously difficult task. Although various nanoparticle (NP) and adeno-associated viral (AAV) strategies with heart tissue tropism have been developed, their performance remains suboptimal. Significant off-target accumulation of i.

Management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. Single center data from a tertiary care hospital in Germany.

Objectives: The unexpected global overload of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in management of acute appendicitis worldwide. Whereas conservative treatment was widely recommended, the appendicectomy remained standard therapy in Germany. We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment routine for acute appendicitis at University Hospital of Magdeburg.

Genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing identifies epigenetic perturbations in the upper airways under long-term exposure to moderate levels of ambient air pollution.

While the link between exposure to high levels of ambient particulate matter (PM) and increased incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases is widely recognized, recent epidemiological studies have shown that low PM concentrations are equally associated with adverse health effects. As DNA methylation is one of the main mechanisms by which cells regulate and stabilize gene expression, changes in the methylome could constitute early indicators of dysregulated signaling pathways. So far, little is known about PM-associated DNA methylation changes in the upper airways, the first point of contact between airborne pollutants and the human body.

Global hypomethylation in childhood asthma identified by genome-wide DNA-methylation sequencing preferentially affects enhancer regions.

Background: Childhood asthma is a result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental components causing epigenetic and immune dysregulation, airway inflammation and impaired lung function. Although different microarray based EWAS studies have been conducted, the impact of epigenetic regulation in asthma development is still widely unknown. We have therefore applied unbiased whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to characterize global DNA-methylation profiles of asthmatic children compared to healthy controls.

Molecular mechanisms associated with the chemoprotective role of protocatechuic acid and its potential benefits in the amelioration of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: A review.

Since its discovery in the 1960 s, doxorubicin (DOX) has constantly elicited the broadest spectrum of cancerocidal activity against human cancers. However, cardiotoxicity caused by DOX directly as well as its metabolites is a great source of concern over the continuous use of DOX in chemotherapy. While the exact mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is yet to be completely understood, recent studies indicate oxidative stress, inflammation, and several forms of cell death as key pathogenic mechanisms that underpin the etiology of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC).

Potential of Volunteering in Formal and Informal Medical Education-A Theory-Driven Cross-Sectional Study with Example of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Students' volunteering is an effective way to manage health crises, including pandemics. Due to the limited capacity of the healthcare system at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, the engagement of students in volunteering services seemed invaluable. Based on different teaching-learning theories, in this survey study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of the volunteering service project launched by the Poznan University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic as a learning opportunity for undergraduate healthcare students.

Differential Effects of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Enantiomers on Induced Pluripotent Stem Derived Cardiac Myocyte Electrophysiology.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), along with acetoacetate and acetone, are liver-produced ketone bodies that are increased after fasting or prolonged exercise as an alternative fuel source to glucose. βOHB, as the main circulating ketone body, is not only a G-protein coupled receptor ligand but also a histone deacetylases inhibitor, prompting the reexamination of its role in health and disease. In this study, we compared the effects of two commercial βOHB formulations an enantiomer R βOHB and a racemic mixture ±βOHB on induced pluripotent stem cell cardiac myocytes (iPS-CMs) electrophysiology.

Trichopsychodermatology: trichotillomania and trichophagia leading to Rapunzel syndrome.

Introduction: The Rapunzel syndrome occurs when the trichobezoar (hair ball) extends beyond the small intestine and sometimes even into the colon, producing long, tail-like hair extensions.

Aim: To present cases of trichobezoars, an extremely rare human intestinal disease caused by the ingestion of hair (trichophagia).

Material And Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed the medical records of 2 patients diagnosed with Rapunzel syndrome admitted to Academic Clinical Hospital No.

Antimicrobial Resistance of in Bloodstream Infections in Hospitalized Patients in Southern Poland.

The aim of this study was to highlight antimicrobial resistance among isolated from bloodstream infections in hospitals in southern Poland. The present study includes laboratory-confirmed secondary bloodstream infections (LC-BSIs), in the years 2015-2018, in hospitalized adult patients (≥18). Episodes of BSIs were defined according to the strictly described guidelines.

Comparison of two surgical techniques (HOO vs. BSSO) for mandibular osteotomies in orthognathic surgery-a 10-year retrospective study.

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the high-angled sagittal split osteotomy (HOO) and the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) for the correction of skeletal dysgnathias regarding intra- and postoperative complications.

Methods: The electronic medical records of all patients treated with an orthognathic surgery at the Department for Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany, between the years 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Two hundred ninety-one patients were included.

Perceived Concerns and Psychological Distress of Healthcare Workers Facing Three Early Stages of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: This study analyzed the difference in psychological distress of the healthcare workers in three different periods of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Argentina. Specifically, from the third week of the mandatory quarantine through the two following weeks.

Methods: Analysis of the responses of 1,458 members of the health personnel was done on a questionnaire on healthcare workers concerns regarding the care of patients with coronavirus, indicators of depression, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Chatbot for Anxiety and Depression in University Students: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Artificial intelligence-based chatbots are emerging as instruments of psychological intervention; however, no relevant studies have been reported in Latin America.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability, acceptability, and potential impact of using Tess, a chatbot, for examining symptoms of depression and anxiety in university students.

Methods: This was a pilot randomized controlled trial.

4C Mortality Score correlates with in-hospital functional outcome after COVID-19-associated ischaemic stroke.

Aim Of The Study: The 4C Mortality Score was created to predict mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and has to date been evaluated only in respiratory system disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate its application in patients with COVID-19-associated acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Clinical Rationale For Study: COVID-19 is a risk factor for AIS.

Inhibition of TGFβ1 accelerates regeneration of fibrotic rat liver elicited by a novel two-staged hepatectomy.

Emerging evidence is demonstrating that rapid regeneration of remnant liver elicited by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) may be attenuated in fibrotic livers. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this process are largely unknown. It is widely acknowledged that the TGFβ1 signaling axis plays a major role in liver fibrosis.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacilli Isolated from Bloodstream Infection in Surgical Patients of Polish Hospitals.

Background And Aims: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the most frequently observed hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). We sought to describe the epidemiology and drug resistance secondary BSIs in surgical patients and check for any correlation with the type of hospital ward.

Materials And Methods: This multicenter (13 hospitals in southern Poland) laboratory-based retrospective study evaluated adults diagnosed with BSI secondary to surgical site infection (SSI) hospitalized in 2015-2018; 121 strains were collected.

Revision of 116 orthognathic surgery patients operated on with the high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO): a retrospective case series (PROCESS-compliant article).

Background: The high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO) is an alternative to a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Due to its novelty, there are no long-term studies which have focused on describing the incidence and type of complications encountered in the post-operative follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze patients operated on with this surgical technique and the post-operative complications encountered.

Optimizing the Use of iPSC-CMs for Cardiac Regeneration in Animal Models.

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease in which the heart cannot meet the metabolic demands of the body. It mostly occurs in individuals 65 years or older. Cardiac transplantation is the best option for patients with advanced HF.

Optical Imaging of Isolated Murine Ventricular Myocytes.

The ability to isolate adult cardiac myocytes has permitted researchers to study a variety of cardiac pathologies at the single cell level. While advances in calcium sensitive dyes have permitted the robust optical recording of single cell calcium dynamics, recording of robust transmembrane optical voltage signals has remained difficult. Arguably, this is because of the low single to noise ratio, phototoxicity, and photobleaching of traditional potentiometric dyes.

Epidemiology, Drug Resistance, and Virulence of Isolated from Ocular Infections in Polish Patients.

Analysis of the epidemiology of (SA) ocular infections and virulence factors of the isolates with a special emphasis on their drug resistance, and the ability of biofilm formation. In a period from 2009 to 2013, 83 isolates of SA were prospectively collected and preserved in a multicenter laboratory-based study carried out in southern Poland. Epidemiological, phenotypic, and genotypic analyses were performed.