Most Mediterranean ecosystems have been profoundly shaped by wildfires, driving the evolution of plant species. Through photo interpretation and field inventories, this research assessed vegetation dynamics from 1984 to 2021, examining how fire severity and recurrence, key fire regime variables, influenced changes in structure and woody species diversity. Using two burn scars (1988 and 2006), we identified four scenarios dominated by Pinus pinea tree species: control (unburned), areas burned once (either in 1988 or 2006), and twice (in both 1988 and 2006).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to determine the burden, characteristics, and causes of sudden death in sport (SrSD) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population.
Methods: Retrospective observational study.
This review focuses on the latest advancements in using biomarkers to diagnose, predict outcomes, and guide the treatment of different types of thyroid cancer, such as anaplastic, papillary, medullary, and follicular thyroid carcinoma. We highlight the key role of both traditional and new biomarkers in improving the treatment of these cancers. For anaplastic thyroid cancer, biomarkers are crucial for detecting distant metastases and making treatment decisions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntiepileptics and antidepressants are frequently prescribed for chronic pain, but their efficacy and potential adverse effects raise concerns, including dependency issues. Increased prescriptions, sometimes fraudulent, prompted reclassification of antiepileptics in some countries. Our aim is to comprehend opinions, perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes towards co-analgesics from online discussions on X (formerly known as Twitter), offering insights closer to reality than conventional surveys.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze patients with vaginal-involving recurrences of gynecological tumors and primary vaginal tumors, treated with transperineal interstitial brachytherapy (P-ISBT). Dosimetric, clinical, and toxicity analysis of these patients was conducted, incorporating MRI in volume definition and dose-volume dosimetry.
Material And Methods: Forty-two patients were retrospectively analyzed.
Mood disorders include a set of psychiatric manifestations of increasing prevalence in our society, being mainly represented by major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). The etiopathogenesis of mood disorders is extremely complex, with a wide spectrum of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors being responsible for their appearance and development. In this sense, immune system dysfunction represents a key mechanism in the onset and pathophysiology of mood disorders, worsening mainly the central nervous system (neuroinflammation) and the periphery of the body (systemic inflammation).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a highly heterogeneous and complex metabolic disease harbouring different metabolic characteristics. Adequate characterisation of subjects is essential to allow the implementation of precision medicine for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this condition.
Methods And Analysis: This prospective observational cohort study aims to identify and characterise relevant clinical clusters that are reproducibly associated with various clinical outcomes in T2DM in our Mediterranean region.
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer, known for its rapid ability to spread to other organs. Melanoma metastasis involves several steps: Local invasion, lymphovascular invasion and proliferation to new sites. This process is facilitated by genetic alterations, interactions with the tumor microenvironment and evasion of the immune system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the face of cell damage, cells can initiate a response ranging from survival to death, the balance being crucial for tissue homeostasis and overall health. Cell death, in both accidental and regulated forms, plays a fundamental role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among the regulated mechanisms of cell death, ferroptosis has garnered attention for its iron-dependent phospholipid (PL) peroxidation and its implications in aging and age-related disorders, as well as for its therapeutic relevance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Dementia comprise a broad spectrum of cognitive declines affecting 47 million people worldwide, with numbers projected to reach 131 million by 2050. Predominantly associated with older adults, dementia can also impact younger individuals, having a significant impact on daily functioning of the affected patients, relatives, caregivers and the socioeconomic system. Recent research underscores the utility of social media, particularly X (previously designed as Twitter), in understanding public perceptions and sentiments related to neurological disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), Essential tremor (ET), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is increasing alongside the aging population. Recent studies suggest that these disorders can be identified through retinal imaging, allowing for early detection and monitoring via Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans. This study is at the forefront of research, pioneering the application of multi-view OCT and 3D information to the neurological diseases domain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To determine the prevalence of genital infections (GIs), including sexual transmitted STIs: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, and opportunistic pathogens that generally do not cause STIs, non-classic STI: Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma hominis, in women with high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection and their association with cervical lesions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 231 hr-HPV positive women. Of these, 46 has histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN3) or more (including CIN3 and cervical cancer lesions-CIN3+).
Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex multisystem disease characterized by hypertension of sudden onset (>20 weeks' gestation) coupled with the presence of at least one additional complication, such as proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction, or uteroplacental dysfunction. Hypertensive states during pregnancy carry life-threatening risks for both mother and baby. The pathogenesis of PE develops due to a dysfunctional placenta with aberrant architecture that releases factors contributing to endothelial dysfunction, an antiangiogenic state, increased oxidative stress, and maternal inflammatory responses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Problem-based learning (PBL) is an established learning method in medical education that uses small groups to address a "problem" in the form of a patient's medical condition. Compared to lectures, there is compelling evidence that PBL performs better in numerous areas including student basic knowledge and satisfaction. Inquiry case (IQ) learning is a modified form of PBL, which can be described as faster-paced and requires more student responsibility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients undergo-ing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) due to a combination of several factors: increased intra-abdominal pressure, heat stress and drug tox-icity. Patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit after CRS and HIPEC during 129 months. Data recorded were: demographic characteristics; severity of illness, haematology and basic chemistry panels (renal function and electrolytes), type of cancer and extension, HIPEC drug and temperature, fluid balance, ICU and hospital stay and mortality.
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