Glucose lowering drug or strategy dependent impact of weight reduction on the prevention of CVD outcomes in Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of CVOTs.

Aims: This systematic review was aimed to assess the association between magnitude of body weight loss (BWL) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and cardiovascular (CV) risk in CV outcome trials (CVOTs).

Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus) for available CVOTs, observational cohort studies or post hoc analyses of clinical trials of adult T2D patients investigated the association of BWL with CV outcomes and/or all-cause mortality.

Results: 19 RCTs of novel glucose-lowering drugs (GLP-1RA, DPP-4i and SGLT2i) and 6 RCT or observational trial of different strategies (intensive treatment or standard care) were included (379.

Practicalities and importance of assessing urine albumin excretion in type 2 diabetes: A cutting-edge update.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 40 % of people with diabetes have CKD, which consequently leads to increase in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is leading cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally.

The efficacy outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with PD axis inhibitor agents - a population-based study of the Vojvodina region.

By 2021, the FDA approved the use of the drugs pembrolizumab and atezolizumab in the first-line treatment of patients with high positivity of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in locally advanced and metastatic non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC). This approval was the result of statistically significant evidence from international, multicentric clinical studies that all reported increasing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients. In our study, we reported the demographic and clinical characteristics of 79 patients diagnosed with NSCLC with expression of PD-L1 ≥50% from January 2019 to December 2022 at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, who received pembrolizumab therapy as the first-line treatment.

Modern Management of Cardiometabolic Continuum: From Overweight/Obesity to Prediabetes/Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Recommendations from the Eastern and Southern Europe Diabetes and Obesity Expert Group.

The increasing global incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) underscores the urgency of addressing these interconnected health challenges. Obesity enhances genetic and environmental influences on T2D, being not only a primary risk factor but also exacerbating its severity. The complex mechanisms linking obesity and T2D involve adiposity-driven changes in β-cell function, adipose tissue functioning, and multi-organ insulin resistance (IR).

Diabetic myocardial disorder. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC and the ESC Working Group on Myocardial & Pericardial Diseases.

The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) has been firmly established; however, the entity of diabetic myocardial disorder (previously called diabetic cardiomyopathy) remains a matter of debate. Diabetic myocardial disorder was originally described as the occurrence of myocardial structural/functional abnormalities associated with T2DM in the absence of coronary heart disease, hypertension and/or obesity. However, supporting evidence has been derived from experimental and small clinical studies.

Comparative Analysis of Vascular Calcification Risk Factors in Pre-Hemodialysis and Prevalent Hemodialysis Adult Patients: Insights into Calcification Biomarker Associations and Implications for Intervention Strategies in Chronic Kidney Disease.

This retrospective study aimed to compare risk factors for vascular calcification (VC) between pre-hemodialysis (HD) and prevalent HD adult patients while investigating associations with calcification biomarkers. Baseline data from 30 pre-HD and 85 HD patients were analyzed, including iPTH, vitamin D, FGF 23, fetuin-A, sclerostin, and VC scores (Adragao method). Prevalence of VC was similar in both groups, but HD patients had more frequent VC scores ≥ 6.

Disparities in prevalence and treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases - Recommendations from the taskforce of the guideline workshop.

There is a mounting clinical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic burden worldwide as the prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to rise. Despite the introduction of therapeutic interventions with demonstrated efficacy to prevent the development or progression of these common chronic diseases, many individuals have limited access to these innovations due to their race/ethnicity, and/or socioeconomic status (SES). However, practical guidance to providers and healthcare systems for addressing these disparities is often lacking.

Life-Threatening Hemoptysis Leading to Suffocation.

Hemoptysis represents a symptom or sign that typically causes anxiety for patients and draws the attention of the physician because it can be caused by various conditions, ranging from benign to malignant. Depending on the amount of coughed-up blood, hemoptysis can be a life-threatening condition. We present the case of a female patient with a life-threatening hemoptysis that was caused by underlying bronchiectasis and antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatments.

Effective Differences between 2D and 3D Planned Brachytherapy in Lung Cancer: An Institutional Retrospective Study.

: Advanced lung cancer is usually manifested by endoluminal tumor propagation, resulting in central airway obstruction. The objective of this study is to compare the high dose rate brachytherapy treatment outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) depending on the treatment planning pattern-two-dimension (2D) or three-dimension (3D) treatment planning. : The study was retrospective and two groups of patients were compared in it (a group of 101 patients who underwent 2D planned high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDR-EBBT) in 2017/18 and a group of 83 patients who underwent 3D planned HDR-EBBT between January 2021 and June 2023).

Invasive Diagnostic Procedures from Bronchoscopy to Surgical Biopsy-Optimization of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Samples for Molecular Testing.

: Treatment of advanced lung cancer (LC) has become increasingly personalized over the past decade due to an improved understanding of tumor molecular biology and antitumor immunity. The main task of a pulmonologist oncologist is to establish a tumor diagnosis and, ideally, to confirm the stage of the disease with the least invasive technique possible. : The paper will summarize published reviews and original papers, as well as published clinical studies and case reports, which studied the role and compared the methods of invasive pulmonology diagnostics to obtain adequate tumor tissue samples for molecular analysis, thereby determining the most effective molecular treatments.

Data from network meta-analyses can inform clinical practice guidelines and decision-making in diabetes management: perspectives of the taskforce of the guideline workshop.

In recent years, several novel agents have become available to treat individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), tirzepatide, which is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist (GIP RA)/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), and finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) that confers significant renal and cardiovascular benefits in individuals with (CKD). New medications have the potential to improve the lives of individuals with diabetes. However, clinicians are challenged to understand the benefits and potential risks associated with these new and emerging treatment options.

Knowledge is the most powerful tool in the fight against tuberculosis.

Introduction: In October 2022, after almost two years, tuberculosis reclaimed its first place as the world's deadliest infectious disease, replacing COVID-19. Since knowledge is the most powerful tool to combat any disease, the primary goal of our study was to assess patients' knowledge of tuberculosis and its relationship to their socio-demographic status.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 1,067 respiratory patients who were surveyed between November 2021 and June 2022 at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina (Serbia).

Development of ALOHa-G Risk Score for Detecting Postpartum Dyslipidemia Among Normoglycemic Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes: Observational Cohort Study.

Introduction: Previous gestational diabetes (pGD) is associated with a high risk of postpartum dyslipidemia (pD). Our study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of pD and estimating the risk for pD based on metabolic pregnancy parameters in normoglycemic women with pGD.

Methods: 147 women with pGD and normoglycemia after delivery were divided into groups: A (n = 63) with pD and B (n = 84) with normal lipids, defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) Final Report (NCEP ATP III).

Reduction in the Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy and Lower Decrease in Kidney Function with Metformin, Linagliptin or Their Fixed-Dose Combination Compared to Placebo in Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of glucose-lowering drugs on peripheral nerve and kidney function in prediabetes.

Methods: Multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 658 adults with prediabetes treated for 1 year with metformin, linagliptin, their combination or placebo. Endpoints are small fiber peripheral neuropathy (SFPN) risk estimated by foot electrochemical skin conductance (FESC < 70 μSiemens) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 () and-9 () Gene Variants and Microvascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Vascular complications are the leading cause of increased morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients. It has been postulated that matrix metalloproteinases and , zinc-dependent endopeptidases through remodeling of the extracellular matrix, can contribute to the onset and progression of diabetic vascular complications. The aim of our study was to assess whether there is a major difference in single nucleotide polymorphisms in the (at position -1306C˃T) and (at position -1562C˃T) gene in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls and to determine whether there is an association of these gene variants with the presence of microvascular complications in diabetic patients.

NT-proBNP point-of-care measurement as a screening tool for heart failure and CVD risk in type 2 diabetes with hypertension.

Aims: We used N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) point-of-care testing (POCT) for heart failure risk stratification of individuals with type 2 diabetes for >10 years and hypertension.

Methods: Overall 259 participants aged 50 years or older with type 2 diabetes (duration of >10 years), hypertension, and no overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) were recruited at two study centers. Patients' data were acquired and NT-proBNP levels were measured using the CARDIAC proBNP+ test (Roche) and the cobas h232 instrument (Roche).

Translating results from the cardiovascular outcomes trials with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists into clinical practice: Recommendations from a Eastern and Southern Europe diabetes expert group.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists mimic the action of the endogenous GLP-1 incretin hormone, improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. However, as cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality is common in patients with T2DM, several trials with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) have been performed focusing on endpoints related to cardiovascular disease rather than metabolic control of T2DM. Following the positive cardiovascular effects of liraglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide observed in these trials, major changes in T2DM management guidelines have occurred.

Therapeutic vs. Suprapharmacological Metformin Concentrations: Different Effects on Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function in Skeletal Muscle Cells .

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic agent that has been widely used in clinical practice for over 60 years, and is currently the most prescribed antidiabetic drug worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of metformin action in different tissues are still not completely understood. Although metformin-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase have been observed in many studies, published data is inconsistent.

Ultra-Hypofractionated vs. Moderate Fractionated Whole Breast Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: Reducing time of treatment during COVID-19 outbreaks has been recommended by the leading Radiation Oncology societies. Still minimizing radiation induced tissue toxicity is one of the most important issues in breast cancer patients. The study aimed to investigate compliance, clinical and dosimetry normal tissue toxicity, and cosmetic results between moderated and ultra-fractionated regimes for breast cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

Trends of the Prevalence of Pre-gestational Diabetes in 2030 and 2050 in Belgrade Cohort.

The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in diabetes in pregnancy in Belgrade, Serbia for the period of the past decade and forecast the number of women with pre-gestational diabetes for the years 2030 and 2050. The study included the data on all pregnant women with diabetes from the registry of the deliveries in Belgrade, by the City Institute of Public Health of Belgrade, Serbia for the period between 2010 and 2020 and the published data on the deliveries on the territory of Belgrade. During the examined period the total number of live births in Belgrade was 196,987, and the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy was 3.

Guideline Development for Medical Device Technology: Issues for Consideration.

Advances in the development of innovative medical devices and telehealth technologies create the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of diabetes care through collecting, aggregating, and interpreting relevant health data in ways that facilitate more informed decisions among all stakeholder groups. Although many medical societies publish guidelines for utilizing these technologies in clinical practice, we believe that the methodologies used for the selection and grading of the evidence should be revised. In this article, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the various types of research commonly used for evidence selection and grading and present recommendations for modifying the process to more effectively address the rapid pace of device and technology innovation and new product development.

Predictors of Clinical Inertia and Type 2 Diabetes: Assessment of Primary Care Physicians and Their Patients.

With the growing prevalence and complex pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, many patients fail to achieve treatment goals despite guidelines and possibilities for treatment individualization. One of the identified root causes of this failure is clinical inertia. We explored this phenomenon, its possible predictors, and groups of patients affected the most, together with offering potential paths for intervention.

Report from the CVOT Summit 2021: new cardiovascular, renal, and glycemic outcomes.

The 7th Cardiovascular Outcome Trial (CVOT) Summit on Cardiovascular, Renal, and Glycemic Outcomes, was held virtually on November 18-19, 2021. Pursuing the tradition of the previous summits, this reference congress served as a platform for in-depth discussion and exchange on recently completed CVOTs. This year's focus was placed on the outcomes of EMPEROR-Preserved, FIGARO-DKD, AMPLITUDE-O, SURPASS 1-5, and STEP 1-5.